The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has officially announced its decision to procure the Saab Gripen E/F. This decision, unveiled during a press conference chaired by its Commander-in-Chief, Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul.
According to the RTAF, the acquisition includes 12 Gripen E/F aircraft equipped with Meteor long-range missiles and Saab AEW&C enhancements to bolster air superiority and situational awareness capabilities.
The deal also includes significant offsets and technology transfer to Thailand, including the delivery of Link-T development capabilities to the RTAF and local defence industry, the opportunity for Thai companies to join Gripen E/F supply chain to supply airframe parts. A maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility will also be set up at the RTAF’s Wing 1.
“The decision to procure the Gripen E/F aligns with the RTAF’s adherence to government policies aimed at fostering sustainable self-reliance,” the RTAF stated. “The inclusion of defence offset programs is a testament to this commitment, emphasizing the development of domestic capabilities, economic enhancement, and the strengthening of Thailand’s competitiveness in the global arena.”
The RTAF had earlier announced in August 2024 that it had selected Gripen over the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 to replace a squadron’s worth of ageing F-16A/B aircraft.
“The Design Selection Committee set detailed consideration procedures and criteria, which took more than 10 months to complete,” the RTAF said in its statement at the time. “It was concluded that the Gripen E/F fighter has the ability to meet the tactical needs as laid out by the doctrine and strategy of the air force.”
The F-16A/B aircraft being replaced are currently being operated by 102 Squadron in the RTAF’s Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima province and have been in service since 1988, the service noted in its statement.
The plan to acquire new combat aircraft centres on the replacement for the RTAF’s ageing Lockheed Martin F-16A/B fleet which will be retired in 2028. It is understood that this programme will be divided into three phases, with the first expected to begin in October 2025.
The first phase for four aircraft will reportedly cost an estimated 19 billion baht (US$559 million). The service also released a request for proposals (RFP) in October 2023 for possible contenders, although no specific fighter type was mentioned in the proposal. However, it has been widely considered that the Saab JAS 39E Gripen and Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 are the two current frontrunners.
Both companies already have a strong track record in Thailand, with Lockheed Martin supplying RTAF’s current F-16A/B fleet while Saab has provided its JAS 39C/D Gripen and Saab 340 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.
Thailand’s earlier ambition to acquire the fifth-generation Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter did not gain traction with the United States government.
by Jr Ng
