THE US DEPARTMENT of Defense has notified the US Congress that Thailand intends to buy eight McDonnell Douglas (MDC) F-18C/D strike aircraft, four spare engines, five MDC Harpoon anti-ship missiles and support equipment worth an estimated $578 million.
The official Congressional notification, signals that the deal will move forward, despite the Clinton Administration's decision to turn down Thailand's request, for immediate delivery of the Hughes AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAMs).
The Pentagon favoured the missile sale, but the State Department resisted the missile transfer for fear that it would introduce a new capability into the region. Release of the official letter of offer and acceptance indicates that Thailand has decided to go ahead with the US aircraft purchase, even without the AIM-120 being included.
Thailand had previously said that it would not buy the aircraft unless its air force obtained the AMRAAM. There are strong indications, however, that the AIM-120 will be made available to Thailand as soon as there is firm evidence that Malaysia has received the rival Russian Vympel R-77 (AA-12 Adder) active-radar air-to air missile. Delivery of the Adder to Malaysia for its Mikoyan MiG-29s is scheduled for 1997.
The Thai offer includes, four single-seat F-18Cs and four tandem-seat F-18Ds.
Source: Flight International