Thailand appears to have formally selected Saab’s Gripen E/F fighter following a competition also involving the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72.
In a brief post on its Facebook page, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) on 27 August wrote: “Most suitable to protect our national interest”, above an image of the Swedish-built fighter.
Reports had emerged from Thailand last month suggesting that the Gripen had edged out its rival following evaluations by the RTAF. This was followed by the US government offering improved financing terms for an F-16 buy. Final proposals for the requirement had been due for submission by 20 August.
The RTAF already operates 11 earlier-model Gripen C/Ds, with these flown from Surat Thani air base by its 701 Squadron. The prospective follow-on deal with Sweden is expected to cover 12 aircraft: sufficient to equip a second unit with the type.
“Saab confirms that the Royal Thai Air Force have announced their wish to purchase the Gripen fighter,” the airframer says. “This is clearly very positive for Saab and for Sweden, but at this point there is no contract or any order in place. Saab is looking forward to continuing our discussions with the Royal Thai Air Force and the authorities regarding future fighter capabilities for Thailand.”
If finalised, an order will see Bangkok follow Brazil and Sweden in fielding the new-generation Gripen, with those nations already having ordered a combined 96 examples. The Brazilian air force placed its first locally-named F-39Es into squadron service in 2022, with its Swedish counterpart to introduce its first operational examples in 2025.
Thailand also already has 50 legacy F-16A/Bs in its current inventory.
Story updated with Saab comment.
