Within the framework of the Royal Thai Air Force’s efforts to modernize its fighter fleet, and following confirmation of its selection in an international competition, Saab signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the first four Gripen E/F fighters destined for the service. The agreement, valued at approximately 5.3 billion Swedish kronor, covers the start of production of the new combat aircraft, with deliveries scheduled between 2025 and 2030. The force already operates a fleet of Gripen C/D multirole fighters, which will be complemented by the more modern variant of the Swedish-designed aircraft.
This first batch of aircraft, which could be expanded in the future in line with Thailand’s current requirements, comprises three single-seat Gripen Es and one twin-seat Gripen F, along with associated equipment, support, and training. An agreement was also signed with the Royal Thai Air Force to implement a long-term offset package, which includes defense technology transfer, industrial cooperation, and new investments in various sectors of the Thai economy.
“We welcome Thailand as the most recent customer of the Gripen E/F. Thailand is already an established Gripen user and is familiar with the capabilities this aircraft brings to the Royal Thai Armed Forces. The country has chosen the most modern fighter on the market with which to develop its next generation of strategic and independent capabilities,” said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
As reported earlier in August, the official approval of the contract was recently issued by the Thai cabinet. The goal is to strengthen the country’s air defense capabilities and replace the aging U.S.-built F-16 Block 15s. The decision came in a regional context marked by tensions and border clashes with Cambodia. Weeks ago, a conflict in the area escalated into an armed confrontation with air strikes that left more than a dozen dead.
The selection of the Gripen E/F was finalized after a technical evaluation process that weighed the operational capabilities of the aircraft, as well as opportunities for industrial cooperation and technology transfer. While it has not been officially confirmed, available sources indicated that Thailand was interested in acquiring around ten aircraft in total, for an estimated value of about 600 million dollars.
In June, Thai authorities had already stated that the incorporation of the Gripen E/F would be part of an initial acquisition phase, with staggered deliveries. The chosen variant incorporates AESA radar, state-of-the-art avionics, enhanced electronic warfare capability, and greater operational range—elements considered key in the current regional environment.
Images courtesy of the Royal Thai Air Force.
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