Half budget approved for 2 US F-35 fightersThe House committee vetting the 2023 budget bill on Wednesday approved 369 million baht out of 738 million baht sought by the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) for its planned purchase of two F-35A fighter jets from the US. The air force lodged an appeal but agreed to have the budget slashed by 50%. "If the US Congress doesn't approve the sale, the air force will return the sum to the state coffers," said ACM Napadej. The House committee voted 45:22 with one abstention to approve 369 million baht for the scheme which would cost about 7.4 billion baht with funds to be allocated over the next four fiscal years. Pheu Thai Party MP Yuttapong Charasathien said minority members would raise their objection to the fighter jet purchase programme again during the second and third readings of the budget bill.
