Thailand Reduces GRIPEN Order

摘要

The Thai Government has reversed a decision, that had been announced earlier this year, and has indicated that it does not intend to proceed with the planned order for a second batch of six GRIPEN fighter aircraft. The existing orderfor six aircraft will however be maintained, with deliveries to start in 2010. The decision is the unpalatable but unavoidable result of budget cuts that have been introduced due to government's reve-rnnues having fallen short of target and the need to raise money to pay for economic stimulus schemes. Defence allocations have thus been slashed from 171 billion bath (some $5 billion) as originally approved down to 151 billion.