Bangkok, June 5 - Thailand has made a pivotal decision in its military modernization efforts, opting to procure four Gripen E/F fighter jets from Sweden's Saab in a $500 million deal, turning away from the American-made F-16s that have long served as a cornerstone of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). This move marks the first phase of a 10-year plan to acquire 12 new fighter aircraft, aimed at replacing the aging F-16 A/B models purchased in the 1980s. The announcement, made on June 4, 2025, underscores Thailand's strategic shift toward Nordic technology as it seeks to bolster its air power and protect national sovereignty, according to Air Force Chief Punpakdee Pattanakul. The procurement order is slated for submission to the Thai cabinet for approval around mid-July, with finalization expected by the end of August, following a meticulous 10-month deliberation process by a procurement committee that ultimately favored the Gripen over the F-16.
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The Gripen E/F, produced by Saab, a Nordic industrial giant, offers advanced avionics, sensors, and weapon systems, positioning it as a modern, cost-effective multirole fighter. Thailand is no stranger to the Gripen, as it already operates 11 older JAS 39C/D models, which have been integrated into its air force since 2008 and were recently upgraded to the MS20 configuration. This familiarity likely influenced the decision, as the RTAF can leverage existing logistics, training, and infrastructure, streamlining the transition to the newer E/F variants. The Gripen’s capabilities, including its compatibility with advanced weaponry such as the RBS 15 anti-ship missile and the potential inclusion of MBDA Meteor missiles, align with Thailand’s strategic needs to defend its airspace and maritime borders in a region marked by dynamic security challenges.
The choice to move away from the F-16, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, comes at a time of strained economic and diplomatic relations with the United States, particularly amid tariff troubles. The U.S., under President Donald Trump’s administration, has proposed a 36 percent levy as part of sweeping global “reciprocal” tariffs, prompting Thailand to seek a reduction or relief through negotiations. The decision to favor Swedish jets over American ones is unlikely to aid these efforts, potentially complicating geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Asia, where the U.S. competes with China for influence. Thailand’s military procurement history reflects a pattern of balancing relations with multiple powers, from early purchases of American Vought O2U Corsairs and Curtiss P-36 Hawks in the 1930s to Japanese Nakajima Ki-43s during World War II, and later U.S.-supplied F-5s and F-16s during the Cold War and Vietnam War eras.
The RTAF’s aging fleet, including dozens of F-16s and F-5s, faces retirement timelines stretching from 2028 to 2039, necessitating this modernization push. The Gripen E/F deal, valued at approximately $596 million for the initial four jets, is part of a broader fiscal strategy, with a 19-billion-baht budget allocated from 2025 to 2029. Subsequent phases will see additional aircraft acquired by 2034 to equip squadrons like the 102 Squadron at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base. While the U.S. had pushed for the F-16 Block 70/72, offering loans and technology transfers, Thailand’s pivot to Saab highlights a desire for self-dependency and a value-driven approach. Saab’s offset package, potentially including technology transfers and local industry partnerships, further sweetens the deal, positioning Thailand to enhance its defense capabilities while navigating a complex global landscape. This shift to Nordic jets not only modernizes the RTAF but also signals a nuanced recalibration of Thailand’s international alignments.