Bangkok and Washington are in negotiations over a potential upgrade package for at least some of Thailand’s F-16 fighter aircraft.

Lockheed Martin officials confirmed that an upgrade package is again the focus of government-to-government talks, but declined to elaborate on the nature of the package options that might be considered. However, they hope that a deal could be struck this year.

The air force operates F-16A/B standard of the aircraft. There are local reports that budgetary considerations could mean the aircraft upgrade being implemented in batches, as funding becomes available.

F-16 photo credit: U.S. Air Force