Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin insisted the government has yet to decide whether the Swedish-made Gripen or US-made F-16 is to be selected for the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) new fighter jet procurement project.
The government is still waiting for details of the required offset policy from both Saab AB and Lockheed Martin, respective manufacturers of the Gripen E/F and the F-16 Block 70/72, he said on Tuesday.
The offset policy is an important element that will be deliberated along with other reciprocal benefits these companies offer Thailand as part of the fighter procurement program, said Mr Srettha.
Under the offset policy, the government has required the armed forces to treat what other reciprocal benefits a prospective supplier may offer as an important factor in their new military equipment procurement project.
“I think no conclusion has been made at this point as [details of] the offset policy have yet to be submitted. However, I will try to get this done as soon as possible while encouraging these two companies to try their very best,” said Mr Srettha.
Foreword: Why exactly does Thailand need these expensive fighter jets right now in 2024? We are not at war and currently there is no need.
Reciprocal benefits – Is this a code word for corruption?