The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is looking for a new type of fighter aircraft to replace its aging F-5 and F-16 fighter aircraft. The RTAF is considering acquiring eight U.S.-made F-35 stealth fighters to reinforce its national defense, said Napadej Dhupatemiya, commander-in-chief of the RTAF. The air force needs a new combat fleet because aging F-5 and F-16 aircraft have been in service for more than 30 years. As the aircraft age, maintenance costs and safety risks are likely to increase. He revealed that the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter is an attractive option, with the cost of each aircraft now down to $82 million, down from $142 million when the model was first introduced. The RTAF currently has a fleet of 12 Swedish Saab Gripen fighter aircraft. With a price of $85 million for new Gripen aircraft, Napadege believes Lockheed Martin’s fighter aircraft are not out of reach. He …