Bangkok, August 6 - Thailand’s cabinet approved a significant $774 million deal to procure four Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, marking a pivotal step in modernizing the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) combat capabilities. This agreement, initially announced in June 2025, is the first phase of a decade-long plan to acquire a total of 12 Gripen E/F jets by 2034, aimed at replacing Thailand’s aging fleet of F-16A/B jets, which have been in service since the 1980s. The decision follows a thorough 10-month evaluation process that began in August 2024, during which a procurement committee weighed the Swedish Gripen against the American F-16 Block 70/72, ultimately favoring the former for its advanced technology and strategic benefits.
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The Gripen E/F models, manufactured by Swedish aerospace company Saab, are equipped with cutting-edge features, including the Raven ES-05 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, Infra-Red Search and Track systems, and advanced datalinks, enhancing the RTAF’s operational effectiveness. Thailand’s existing fleet includes 11 older Gripen C/D jets, acquired in 2008 and delivered starting in 2011, making the new variants a logical upgrade due to their compatibility and the RTAF’s familiarity with the platform. The procurement package also includes a substantial offset agreement, valued at over 100 billion baht, which encompasses technology transfers, such as the Link-T tactical data link system, personnel training, and support for Thailand’s defense industry. This deal is expected to bolster national security and foster economic benefits through job creation and industrial collaboration.
The timing of the approval is notable, coming just a week after a ceasefire was reached following intense border clashes with Cambodia, which resulted in over 40 deaths. During the conflict, Thailand deployed its F-16s to strike military targets, highlighting the urgent need for modernized air capabilities to protect national sovereignty. The RTAF emphasized the strategic importance of the Gripen acquisition, stating that the jets’ advanced technology would ensure operational relevance for the next three decades, addressing the limitations of its outdated F-16 fleet. The decision also reflects Thailand’s broader geopolitical strategy to diversify its defense partnerships, particularly after the United States denied a request to purchase F-35 stealth jets in 2023, offering F-16s instead under loan terms deemed unfavorable by Bangkok.
The procurement process is advancing swiftly, with the contract expected to be finalized by the end of August 2025, potentially coinciding with a state visit by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to Sweden. This visit is anticipated to strengthen bilateral ties in defense, trade, and innovation. The acquisition of the Gripen E/F jets positions Thailand as the fourth nation, after Sweden, Brazil, and Colombia, to select this advanced variant, underscoring its growing international appeal. With a total defense budget of approximately $6 billion, Thailand’s investment in the Gripen program represents a significant commitment to enhancing its air force’s capabilities amid rising regional tensions.
