The Royal Thai Air Force has its sights set on buying eight US-made F-35 stealth jets.

A fleet of new F-35s, the world's most advanced warplane, is required to strengthen national defence, said the force’s commander-in-chief ACM Napadej Dhupatemiya.

ACM Napadej said the air force needs the fighter jets as its ageing F-5 aircraft have been in service for more than three decades.

As aircraft age, maintenance costs and safety risks are likely to increase.

The F-35 jets, manufactured by US defence giant Lockheed Martin Corporation, have emerged as the best choice now that costs are lower, down to US$82 million (2.7 billion baht) each from $142 million when the model first hit the market, he said.

With the new Swedish-made Saab Gripen priced at $85 million per unit, Lockheed Martin's product is not out of reach, ACM Napadej said. Depending on negotiations, unit prices of the F-35 can be brought down to just above $70 million each, he said.

ACM Napadej said budget planning for an F-35 acquisition project will be initiated in the 2023 fiscal year, which started in October 2021, and the air force is prepared to answer all questions if it chooses to press ahead with the purchase.

A panel will be set up to study the aircraft procurement programme to justify the air force's request for funding, he said.

Given their technological advantages, the F-35 jets will enhance the country's airpower, a vital part of modern warfare, he said.

The air force is aware of budget constraints brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, he said, noting that it plans to make the purchases in phases and select high-quality products that come with the transfer of technical know-how.