Royal Thai Air Force Chooses Gripen Fighter Jets Over F-16s
The Royal Thai Air Force has selected the Swedish JAS 39E/F Gripen fighter jets as the preferred option to replace its F-16 fleet. This decision follows a comprehensive 10-month review by the air force’s procurement committee.
The air force believes that the Gripen, produced by Sweden’s Saab, better aligns with Thailand’s strategic needs compared to the American-made F-16. The JAS 39E/F Gripen is seen as the optimal choice for modernizing the air force’s capabilities and replacing the F-16A/B, which has been in service since the late 1980s.
“We have conducted a meticulous evaluation to ensure that our equipment can protect the nation for at least the next 30 years. The Gripen meets the strategic principles of the Royal Thai Air Force and is compatible with joint operations alongside other security forces,” stated a spokesperson for the Royal Thai Air Force.
This assessment is not yet final, as the Thai government still has the option to review the latest version of the F-16 before making a final purchasing decision. While the exact number of aircraft to be ordered is not yet confirmed, earlier reports suggested that Thailand is considering acquiring around 12 new fighter jets.
Saab has welcomed this development. “We can confirm that the Royal Thai Air Force has publicly expressed its intent to purchase the Gripen. This is positive news for Saab and Sweden. No contract has been signed at this point, but we look forward to continuing discussions with the Thai Air Force and government,” a Saab spokesperson noted.
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a single-engine, light fighter aircraft developed by Sweden and introduced into service in 1996. Approximately 300 units have been delivered, serving in the armed forces of seven countries worldwide.
Currently, the Royal Thai Air Force operates 11 JAS 39C/D Gripen fighters, 60 F-16A/B aircraft, and 34 F-5E/F jets produced by the U.S. Thailand, a long-time ally of the U.S. in Asia, has experienced complex bilateral relations following the 2014 coup. In May 2023, an anonymous source from the Thai Ministry of Defense revealed that the U.S. had declined to sell the F-35 stealth fighters to Bangkok, citing insufficient infrastructure to support the aircraft.
Nevertheless, the U.S. has not entirely dismissed Thailand’s request for F-35s and may reassess the situation in 5-10 years. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Defense has proposed selling the F-16 Block 70 and the F-15 heavy fighters to Thailand.
