Thai Cabinet Approves Purchase of 4 Swedish Gripen Fighter Jets

The Thai Cabinet has approved the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) procurement of four Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, marking the first phase of a government-to-government (G2G) deal aimed at modernizing Thailand’s combat air fleet.

Valued at 19.5 billion baht (approximately $540 million), the initial contract is expected to be signed on August 25. Delivery of the aircraft—three single-seat Gripen E jets and one two-seat Gripen F—is scheduled by 2029.

According to government officials, this acquisition is part of a broader 12-aircraft program running through 2035–2036. The program is intended to gradually replace the RTAF’s ageing fleet of U.S.-made F-16 fighters, some of which have been in service for over 37 years.

The RTAF emphasized that the procurement process is fully transparent and governed by an offset policy aimed at generating substantial economic returns for Thailand.

The Gripen E/F models are equipped with AESA radar, electronic warfare systems, and Meteor missiles capable of long-range, beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements.

Thai Gripens Used in Combat for First Time during Recent Cambodia Border Clash

The announcement follows last month’s combat deployment of older Gripen C fighters during cross-border tensions with Cambodia. The July 26 strike, in which Gripens targeted Cambodian artillery in the disputed Preah Vihear region, marked the first-ever combat use of the Swedish-built aircraft by the RTAF.

Rumors that Sweden might suspend the sale due to the Cambodia incident were denied by both the Swedish embassy and the RTAF.

The Thai Air Force already operates 12 Gripen C/D fighters and two Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft based in Surat Thani. These platforms have been used for joint exercises, air patrols, and quick-response missions and are integrated into Thailand’s broader command-and-control network.

Officials say the new jets will further reduce dependence on U.S.-supplied platforms after setbacks in Thailand’s earlier attempts to acquire F-35s.