Overview

• Thailand’s cabinet approved a Bt19 billion deal for four Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighters as the first phase of a 12-aircraft procurement, with signing scheduled in Sweden on August 25 and deliveries by 2029.
• The procurement package includes active electronically scanned array radars, MBDA Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles, and upgrades to Saab 340B Erieye airborne early warning aircraft.
• Lawmakers ratified an amendment to the Yuan Class S26T submarine contract to replace German MTU396 engines with Chinese CHD620 units, adding 1,217 days to construction and setting first delivery for 2030.
• The cabinet also approved a Bt35 billion purchase of two new frigates for delivery by 2037 to bolster Thailand’s maritime security in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.
• These deals reflect Thailand’s strategic pivot toward Sweden for air power procurement, China for undersea capabilities, parallel frigate acquisition.