Why does Thailand need F-35 fighter jets? [video]

Thailand‘s attempts to beg the new F-35 Fifth Generation fighter jet from the United States have progressed at a snail’s pace. The acquisition has been questioned on all sides since its inception, and continues to be.

The issues standing in Thailand’s way seem to amount to three main things.

The US certainly doesn’t want its shiny (actually not shiny at all) new planes anywhere near China’s airforce, except when shooting them down over the Taiwan Strait, and Thailand is far, far too cosy with the Chinese military.

The F-35 Fifth Generation fighter jet is perhaps the most sophisticated aircraft in normal use today. Thailand completely lacks the know-how, technology or infrastructure to keep these babies in the air and functioning at maximum capacity.

And lastly, what on earth for?

Today’s Thai Inquirer takes a light-hearted look at a tortuous subject.

Does Thailand need the new F-35 Fifth Generation fighter jet?

Our short video explores this question. #FighterJet #Aviation #Thailand #AirForce #FatAmy pic.twitter.com/ZIuecec3PQ

— Thai Enquirer (@ThaiEnquirer) January 18, 2023