Overview

• The cabinet approved a Bt19–19.5 billion first tranche covering three Gripen E single-seat jets and one two-seat Gripen F to replace aging F-16 fighters in Thai service.
• A signing ceremony is scheduled for August 25 in Sweden and the first four Gripen E/F jets are slated to arrive by 2029.
• Lawmakers ratified an amendment to the 2017 Yuan Class S26T submarine contract that replaces German MTU396 engines with Chinese CHD620 units and extends construction by 1,217 days.
• Thailand ordered two frigates at a cost of Bt35 billion to bolster its naval fleet with deliveries planned through 2037.
• The procurement program forms part of a decade-long, multi-phase defense modernization effort to diversify suppliers and strengthen airspace and maritime sovereignty.