Modern fighter jets including the F-35 aircraft, have taken part in Cope Tiger, an annual trilateral aerial exercise involving the United States, Thailand, and Singapore.
The event, held at Wing 1 Air Base in Nakhon Ratchasima from March 18 to 29 saw the United States military bring in eight F-35A aircraft from their bases in Alaska, along with ten F-16 aircraft from their bases in South Korea, to join Thai F-16, F-5, and Gripen aircraft in training exercises, while Singapore contributed F-15 aircraft.
The F-35A, valued at approximately 85 million US dollars each, is considered the world’s most advanced aircraft. It is known for its stealth capabilities, making it elusive to radar detection. The purchase of such advanced aircraft requires approval from the US Congress.
Currently, F-35 fighter jets are in service in nine countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, Norway, Israel, Japan, and South Korea. Singapore has also ordered 12 F-35 aircraft from the United States, awaiting delivery.
The presence of F-35 aircraft in this exercise, as noted by Gen. Songwit Noonpakdee, Thai Chief of the Defense Forces reflects the mutual trust and partnership between the participating nations.
Between 2020 and 2023, the Royal Thai Air Force sought to procure F-35 aircraft and requested and received budget approval from the House of Representatives, totaling 369 million baht, for initial project phase. However, the project had to be discontinued due to lack of approval from the US Congress. (TNA)
