Thailand is interested in the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force’s P-1 patrol aircraft and US-2 large amphibious rescue aircraft, according to asia.nikkei.com.
Japan wants to get between Beijing and Thailand’s military government, and the cooperation deal could serve as an effective wedge.Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani on Tuesday will meet Prawit Wongsuwan, Thailand’s deputy prime minister and defense minister, in Bangkok to discuss the defense equipment deal.
The contract, a prerequisite for exports of defense equipment from Japan, would require Thailand to get Japan’s nod before transferring or using any of the supplied equipment and related technologies for purposes other than those initially set forth.