Bangkok, July 30 - The Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) deployment of Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets in combat operations against Cambodian military targets on July 26, 2025, marked a historic milestone for the Swedish-built aircraft. This event, the first confirmed combat use of the Gripen since its maiden flight in 1988, has sparked significant discussion about the aircraft’s operational credibility and its potential impact on future international sales. The strikes, conducted alongside Lockheed Martin F-16s, targeted Cambodian artillery and rocket positions near the Phu Ma Kua ridge and Ta Muen Thom temple amid an escalating border conflict. This debut has thrust the Gripen into the spotlight, raising questions about its market prospects as Saab seeks to expand its global footprint.
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The Gripen, designed by Saab AB as a lightweight, multirole fighter, has been operated by Thailand since 2011, with a fleet of 11 JAS 39C/D models based at Surat Thani Air Base. The aircraft’s combat debut showcased its precision strike capabilities, leveraging real-time data integration and advanced systems like the PS-05/A radar. The mission’s success, with all aircraft returning safely, underscores the Gripen’s reliability in high-stakes scenarios. Thailand’s existing familiarity with the platform, combined with its recent selection of the advanced Gripen E/F variant to replace aging F-16s, positions the country as a key reference for Saab’s marketing efforts. The RTAF’s planned acquisition of 12 Gripen E/F jets, with the first four expected by 2029, reflects confidence in the aircraft’s capabilities, including its Raven ES-05 AESA radar, infrared search and track systems, and compatibility with advanced munitions like the MBDA Meteor missile.
The combat use comes at a pivotal moment for Saab, which has faced challenges in securing export contracts for the Gripen E/F. While Sweden, Brazil, and Colombia have committed to the new variant, the aircraft has struggled against competitors like the F-16 and F-35 in international competitions. Thailand’s high-profile deployment could bolster the Gripen’s appeal, particularly in regions prioritizing cost-effective, versatile fighters. The aircraft’s ability to operate from short, unprepared runways and its low operational costs—estimated by Saab to be 50% lower than competitors'—make it attractive for nations with constrained budgets. Colombia and Peru, both considering the Gripen E/F, may view Thailand’s combat success as evidence of its battlefield reliability, potentially swaying procurement decisions. However, the combat debut also introduces complexities. Sweden’s strict arms export regulations, overseen by the Inspectorate for Strategic Products, require careful scrutiny of sales to nations involved in active conflicts. The Thai-Cambodian border clash, though paused by a ceasefire, has raised concerns in Stockholm about the implications of further sales to Thailand. The Swedish government has emphasized adherence to international humanitarian law and de-escalation, signaling that future export approvals will depend on the regional situation. This could complicate Thailand’s ongoing negotiations for additional Gripens, despite the RTAF’s clear intent to expand its fleet.
Saab’s cautious response reflects the delicate balance between capitalizing on the Gripen’s combat validation and navigating Sweden’s ethical export guidelines. The company has expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict while highlighting the aircraft’s advanced network-centric warfare capabilities. For potential buyers like Peru or even Canada, where F-35 procurement faces hurdles, the Gripen’s proven combat performance could enhance its competitive edge. Yet, reliance on U.S.-made components, such as the F414G engine, subjects exports to American approval under ITAR regulations, adding another layer of complexity. Thailand’s combat use of the Gripen has undeniably elevated its profile as a capable multirole fighter. As Saab pursues opportunities in Southeast Asia and beyond, the aircraft’s battlefield debut could serve as a powerful selling point, provided export hurdles are navigated successfully. With Thailand’s modernization plans and the Gripen’s demonstrated effectiveness, the stage is set for a potential resurgence in sales, contingent on strategic diplomacy and regional stability.