THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Two trainer jets purchased from S Korea delivered to Royal Thai Air Force

Two trainer jets purchased from S Korea delivered to Royal Thai Air Force

Two South Korean trainer and light-combat aircraft landed in Thailand yesterday as part of a procurement deal between their manufacturer and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).

However, they arrived two weeks behind schedule due to engine damage detected before the planned delivery on January 11. 
An informed source said the aircraft had sustained damage from encountering hostile weather conditions in Malaysia. 
RTAF chief ACM Jom Rungsawang said yesterday that the South Korean supplier would provide an explanation regarding the incident. 
“But as for now, the issue has already been solved. Those damaged engines were replaced and we’ve got a two-year warranty,” he said, after watching the two planes land at the Wing Division 4 compound in Nakhon Sawan province. 
Jom said the arrival of the pair of T-50TH variant of the fighter jet marked a milestone for the RTAF. 
“This model ranks among the most advanced and modern aircraft types in the world. It will help us reduce training costs and will bring our combat-aircraft pilots’ abilities to par with international standards,” he said. 
 According to Jom, two more T-50TH will be delivered to Thailand in March. Eight more will come next year. 
The new aircraft will replace the ageing L-39 ZA/ART aircraft. In 2015, the government chose the T-50TH variant trainer over the Chinese Hongdu L-15.
 

RELATED
nationthailand