Thailand Approves $540 Million Deal for Swedish Gripen Fighter Jets

Thailand has approved the purchase of four advanced Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter jets from Sweden in a deal worth $540 million. The decision, officially endorsed by the Thai Cabinet, comes at a time of rising tensions with neighboring Cambodia and is seen as a strategic step to modernize the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).

The Royal Thai Air Force confirmed the Cabinet’s approval in an announcement on its official Facebook page, stating: “Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F ready to take off. The Cabinet approved the RTAF’s request to purchase new Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets to replace decommissioned ones, strengthening our ability to protect sovereignty over Thai airspace.”

This procurement will serve to replace aging aircraft in the RTAF’s fleet and enhance the nation’s air defense readiness amid growing geopolitical uncertainties in the region. The JAS 39 Gripen E/F models are among the most technologically advanced multirole fighter jets in service today, offering superior performance, avionics, and interoperability.

RTAF Commander-in-Chief, Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, is scheduled to travel to Sweden from August 23 to 27 to finalize the procurement agreement with Swedish aerospace company Saab. His visit is expected to solidify the long-standing defense relationship between the two nations.

The move follows controversial reports from Cambodian sources claiming that Thailand had previously used two Gripen fighter jets in an alleged attack against Cambodian forces—allegations that both the Swedish government and the Swedish embassy in Bangkok have categorically denied.

Sweden also refuted claims that it had banned further Gripen sales to Thailand, confirming that the deal aligns with their current defense export policies.

Thailand initially acquired Gripen jets in the late 2000s, becoming one of the few countries in Southeast Asia to operate the Swedish-made aircraft. The new order is expected to significantly boost the capabilities of the RTAF, especially in safeguarding Thailand’s sovereignty and responding to regional threats.

This latest acquisition underscores Thailand’s intent to modernize its military while navigating the complexities of regional diplomacy. As the situation with Cambodia remains delicate, the timing of the procurement highlights Thailand’s focus on readiness, deterrence, and national security.

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