Yesterday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin addressed the ongoing deliberation regarding the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) new fighter jet procurement project, clarifying that no final decision has been made between the Swedish-made Gripen and the US-made F-16 jets. According to the Prime Minister, the government is still awaiting critical details of the required offset policy from both Saab AB (the manufacturer of the Gripen E/F) and Lockheed Martin (the manufacturer of the F-16 Block 70/72).
The offset policy is a significant factor in determining the final decision, as it encompasses the reciprocal benefits that these companies can offer Thailand as part of the procurement program. “This policy is non-negotiable; it’s integral to how we will evaluate each offer,” Mr. Srettha explained. “We need to ensure that whatever deal we strike, it’s in the best interest of the Thai public.”
This isn’t just a straightforward purchase; it involves large sums of money and critical military equipment, which requires a thorough examination of what each company is proposing beyond just the fighter jets themselves. The Prime Minister emphasized the objective to maximize benefits while urging both companies to present their best possible proposals.
“As it stands, we haven’t reached a conclusion largely because we haven’t received all the necessary information regarding the offset policy from either party,” Srettha stated. “But rest assured, I am pushing to fast-track this process.” However, he did not commit to a specific timeline for a decision, citing the need for comprehensive data before moving forward. “If we’re not ready or lack the needed information, we won’t rush this process,” he noted.
While insisting on the impartiality of the government in the RTAF’s decision-making process, Mr. Srettha did confirm that the ultimate verdict must be mutually agreeable to both the RTAF and the government. Although the RTAF committee, tasked with researching the project, has indicated a preference for the Gripen, the final call remains pending.
In an interesting twist, Mr. Srettha disclosed that he had a direct conversation with Robert Godec, the US ambassador to Thailand, urging the United States to expedite their submission of the required offset policy details for the fighter jet procurement. According to him, conducting an apples-to-apples comparison between the Gripen E/F and the F-16 Block 70/72 is crucial for a fair evaluation.
Moreover, just this Monday, Lockheed Martin reiterated their commitment to delivering economic value to Thailand through a substantial industrial participation or “offset” proposal. This is a strategic move, particularly driven by the Thai government’s evaluation of the F-16s.
In conclusion, the choice between the Swedish Gripen and the US F-16 is more than just a matter of military equipment. It’s about which deal brings the most value to Thailand in the broader context. Both manufacturers are under pressure to up their game, ensuring that the Royal Thai Air Force gets the best fighter jets with maximum reciprocal benefits. This procurement process represents a major decision for Thailand’s future defense capabilities and economic partnership on the international stage.
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