Thailand plans to order 2 more T-50TH Golden Eagle lead-in fighter trainers from South Korea
RTAF T-50TH Golden Eagle lead-in fighter trainers. Photo c/o RTAF. |
Thailand has confirmed that it plans to acquire two more T-50TH Golden Eagle lead-in fighter trainers (LIFT) from South Korean aviation company Korea Aerospace Industries.
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Directorate of Operations made the announcement to purchase the additional aircraft, its 3rd order since 2015, which will increase the RTAF's total purchase to 14.
The budget for the acquisition plan is around THB2.36 billion (US$72 million), will include the 2 new aircraft, spare parts, logistics support, and related tools and equipment.
Birtish defense media outlet Jane's reported that talks have been ongoing between RTAF and the KAI, and that the contract is expected to be signed between the Thai Government and KAI before the end of the year.
Originally the RTAF was planning to order 4 additional aircraft under the Thai Government's 2021 defense budget, but was pushed back to 2022 due to financing constraints brought by COVID-19 pandemic response.
This also brought down the number of aircraft to be ordered to just 2, and is said to be the final phase of its T-50TH acquisition program.
As part of the program's Phase 1, the RTAF ordered 4 aircraft in 2015 and were delivered in 2018, while Phase 2 involved the acquisition of 8 more aircraft, ordered in 2017 with 4 aircraft already delivered as of 2021.
Phase 3, worth US$52.5 million, involved the improvement of the T-50TH fleet by modifications of the aircraft's fire control radar system, radar warning receivers, and countermeasures, allowing for improved survivability.
The T-50TH fleet are operated by the RTAF's 401 Squadron, replacing the ageing L-39ZA Albatross advanced jet trainer / light attack aircraft which were transferred to 411 Squadron in 2017 and finally retired from service in 31 March 2021.
[1] Jane's
[2] Scramble Magazine
Thailand plans to order 2 more T-50TH Golden Eagle lead-in fighter trainers from South Korea
Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal
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July 22, 2021
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