Astounding! Thailand is purchasing twelve JAS-39 Gripens. Operating this aircraft is a lot more practical than the Su-30MKI fighters that Malaysia and Indonesia have procured. Of course, given the foreign policies of these two 'Islamic' states and that the JAS-39 multi-role fighters mount American engines (hence spare parts are going to be dependent on the USA), it is obvious why the Su-30MKI was chosen.
Thailand will also be purchasing two Saab S-1000 Erieye Airborne Early Warning aircraft.
Meanwhile, the Swedes must be really elated as it was reported in an Australian paper that a Thai officer had said that they had preferred F-16Cs and F-16Ds but the Americans were not allowed to sell arms to governments that had been ousted by coups.
Go Thai military junta go! WOO!
I bet the Burmese military junta are drooling.
Even if RMAF has the latest do you think they can fly to its potential?
ReplyDeleteI bet they will crash even with WWII Spitfire.
d;-)
Oh ya, Sukhoi 30 is a long range fighter meant for attacking whereas JAS-39 Gripens, I assume, is more for defensive purposes.
ReplyDeleted;-)
The RMAF may have a readiness problem and may not generate a high sortie rate.
ReplyDeleteIn Malaysia's defence, they do have a long coastline to defend as well as two widely separated areas. East and West Malaysia. But as you have shrewdly observed, the Su-30 is more of an offensive aircraft with long range and a huge payload.
ReplyDelete