The Royal Thai Air Force has chosen the Gripen E/F fighter jet to replace the country’s aging F-16A/Bs, a decision announced on Tuesday. The selection came after a ten-month deliberation by a service committee, with government approval still pending before a contract can be signed.
A Thai Air Force white paper released on Feb. 29 stated that the warplane program would deliver 12-14 fighters. Plans include purchasing four Gripens with a 19-billion-baht budget from FY2025-2029 and procuring the remaining aircraft through FY2034 to equip 102 Squadron stationed at Korat in northeastern Thailand.
The Gripen E defeated Lockheed’s F-16 Block 70/72, marking an important win for Saab as the manufacturer. The Royal Thai Air Force has previous experience with Saab’s platform, having ordered twelve Gripen C/Ds in 2008, which were recently upgraded under a January 2021 contract.
Saab’s offer for the new models may include MBDA Meteor missiles, but no final decisions have been made. Technology transfer and offset pledges played a significant role in the selection process, with Thailand seeking offsets to develop its defense industry.
Future plans for Thailand include replacing F-5E/Fs from FY2031-2035 and further F-16A/Bs from FY2037-2046, indicating ongoing modernization efforts in the country’s defense sector.
