Military of China, force comment.
Military of China, force comment.

data for: the Royal Thai Air Force F-16A/B fighters

British “Flight International” Web site Oct. 7, 2010 reported that even in the face of the current budgetary constraints, to improve combat capability, Thailand is likely to continue its own part of the U.S. Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets to the mid-life upgrade (MLU).

U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said the notice to Congress: Bangkok to apply the upgrade program worth $ 700 million in phases of 18 F-16 upgrade. Each stage of the upgrade time span of more than three years, to upgrade six aircraft. Two adjacent stages of a year’s time overlap. Lockheed is the prime contractor.

mid-life upgrade in addition to the modular mission computer, but also include: the U.S. Northrop Grumman APG-68 (V) 9 radar, the British BAE Systems joint response of APX-113 and transceiver, Denmark Ticketmaster company (Terma) of the ALQ-213 electronic warfare management system, and BAE Systems’ ALE-47 decoy launching system.

DSCA said the upgrade program also includes spare parts, support equipment, personnel training and logistics support.

2009 In February, Thailand completed the 57 modernized F-16 is “Fighting Falcon upgrade” (Falcon UP) configuration of the project, while the first aircraft has been upgraded to “Fighting Falcon – Star” (Falcon Star) configuration of the aircraft delivered in 2008.

DSCA said: Thailand needs of the MLU program to upgrade its aging F-16 fleet, air superiority fighter to enhance the effectiveness and interoperability with U.S. forces. MLU program will improve the Royal Thai Air Force, daytime, night and adverse weather conditions the ability to carry out air defense operations.

1 month, the Thai Cabinet approved in principle the purchase of six from the Swedish Saab “Gripen” fighter Saab -340 based on a set of airborne early warning and control system. Thai air force already has six JAS-39 “Gripen” C/D and ordered an early-warning aircraft, and 2008 due to budget constraints led to the initial plan was divided into two orders, the Thai Air Force has been interested in the follow-up transaction by the size of doubled.

Thailand’s cabinet said it would ensure that in the next budget has adequate funding to the Air Force, with the signing of two contracts. However, there is news that in the foreseeable future, less likely to upgrade the remaining F-16 or order more of the “Gripen.” (China Aviation Industry Development Research Center Wang Rui)