which allows for the transfer of used U.S. naval ships and aircraft. The United States
faces stiff competitors in the foreign military sales market in Thailand, particularly because other
countries are more willing to engage in barter trade for agricultural products. When the 2014 coup
triggered a suspension of FMF funds, the Thais were upgrading their F-16 fighter aircraft fleet
and had agreed to purchase UH-72 Lakotas, the first international customer for the helicopters.