The Thai Air Force has approved a major defense purchase and finalized a US$600 million deal to buy four Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets. The Royal Thai Air Force confirmed this decision in a statement shared on social media. The air force aims to upgrade and modernize Thailand’s air defense system through this deal.
Thai Air Force Picks Swedish Gripens Over US F-16s
Sweden’s Saab company had announced the agreement in June. However, the Thai cabinet needed to approve it, which they did on Tuesday. The decision followed a ceasefire after deadly border clashes with Cambodia that lasted five days.
During those clashes, Thailand used its current fleet of American-made F-16 jets to strike military targets across the border. The fighting resulted in more than 40 deaths, making it one of the most severe border conflicts between the two nations in recent decades.
The Thai Air Force explained that the new Gripen jets will strengthen national defense and help protect Thailand’s airspace. Officials added that they conducted a detailed 10-month evaluation process and ultimately chose the Swedish aircraft over the American F-16s.
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Thailand already operates 11 older Gripen jets and several dozen F-16s, which it bought in the 1980s. These older jets still play a key role in Thai Air Force operations, but the air force is now upgrading the ageing fleet.
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The decision to buy more Gripen jets followed almost a year of technical and strategic evaluation. A special procurement committee began reviewing options in August of the previous year. The final choice was based on aircraft performance, cost, long-term support, and compatibility with existing systems.
While the F-16s have served Thailand for several decades, the newer JAS 39 Gripens were considered more modern and suitable for the Thai Air Force’s evolving needs. The Gripen is a lightweight, multi-role fighter jet developed by Sweden’s Saab Group. It is known for its agility, advanced radar systems, and ease of maintenance.
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The Royal Thai Air Force highlighted the Gripen’s performance and reliability as key reasons behind the choice. Experts involved in the evaluation noted that the aircraft’s European design offered certain advantages in terms of operational flexibility and technical upgrades.
This decision also comes at a time when defense strategies are being reshaped in the region. The deal signals a continued shift in Thailand’s defense procurement strategy, focusing more on diversification and modernization of its military equipment.
The selection of the Swedish jets over their American rivals also shows Thailand’s willingness to explore alternative sources for high-end military technology, rather than relying solely on longstanding suppliers like the United States.
Budget Allocation and Conflict Impact
The purchase of the new Gripen jets is part of Thailand’s 200 billion baht (US$6 billion) national defense budget. This budget covers the needs of the army, navy, and Thai Air Force, including personnel, equipment, and operational costs.
The deal was finalized shortly after Thailand faced one of its deadliest border conflicts in decades. For five days, Thai and Cambodian forces exchanged fire across the border, resulting in more than 40 casualties. Thailand deployed its existing F-16s during the conflict to strike military targets.
Following the clashes, the cabinet also approved financial compensation for the families of those who lost their lives. Families of soldiers will receive 10 million baht (approximately US$310,000) each. Civilian families will receive 8 million baht each.
The conflict placed a spotlight on the need for modern air capabilities, which likely added urgency to the Thai Air Force’s procurement plan. The Gripen jets are expected to be integrated into existing squadrons, working alongside the older models already in service.
Thailand’s move marks another step in strengthening its national defense infrastructure. The purchase is expected to enhance the Thai Air Force’s ability to monitor and protect its airspace during periods of tension or conflict, using a combination of older and newer aircraft models.
