Overview

• Thailand’s Cabinet approved a Bt19 billion purchase of four Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighters as the first phase of a 12-aircraft acquisition to replace its aging F-16s.
• The order covers three single-seat Gripen Es and one two-seat Gripen F, with initial deliveries scheduled from 2029 and the full fleet due by 2035 – 36.
• The package secures active electronically scanned array radars, MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range missiles and upgrades for Saab 340B Erieye airborne early warning aircraft.
• The contract follows a ten-month procurement review concluded in June that recommended the Swedish jets over a Lockheed Martin F-16V proposal.
• A signing ceremony is scheduled in Sweden for August 25 to formalize the government-to-government deal and bolster Thailand’s air sovereignty.