Thailand is also keen on Kawasaki P-1

A piece by Nikkei Asian Review says Thailand is keen on getting the Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol plane. Earlier it was reported that Bangkok is taking a close look at the ShinMaywa US-2 amphibious aircraft for fire fighting duties.

By Tim Felce (Kawasaki P1 – RIAT 2015) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

But in order for any sale to proceed, both sides will have to sign a defense equipment contract so that the Tokyo can sell any defense equipment to Bangkok.

The contract is a prerequisite for the export of military products by Japan. This will bound the end user from transferring or diverting the equipment from its original intended purpose.

So far, Philippines is the only contract to have sign such an agreement, in order to lease TC-90 aircraft from Japan.