The Thai cabinet on Tuesday greenlit the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) procurement of four Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden through a government-to-government (G2G) agreement.
The deal’s first phase, valued at 19.5 billion baht, is expected to be finalised with a contract signing on August 25.
Government sources revealed that the purchase forms part of the RTAF’s long-term strategic plan to modernise its fleet and reduce reliance on its ageing F-16 aircraft, which have been in service for more than 37 years. The modernisation roadmap spans from 2028 to 2035.
The entire procurement will be carried out in three phases, eventually totalling 12 aircraft.
The first delivery, expected by 2029, includes three Gripen E models and one Gripen F. Additional aircraft are set to arrive by 2035–2036.
The RTAF underscored that the acquisition is being conducted transparently under the G2G framework, with full audit mechanisms in place.
The deal also adheres to an offset policy intended to generate significant economic returns, potentially in the hundreds of billions of baht, for Thailand.
The new Gripen E/F models come equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, including Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, advanced electronic warfare systems, and Meteor missiles capable of engaging targets beyond visual range.
Opposition Leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, of the People’s Party, voiced no opposition to the cabinet’s decision.
He noted that recent budget debates had already signalled support for such defence procurements but urged the government to provide a clear and detailed justification for the purchase.
Earlier media speculation suggested Sweden might reconsider the sale due to recent border tensions with Cambodia, during which older Gripen models were reportedly deployed by Thailand in offensive operations.
However, both the Swedish embassy and the RTAF have dismissed the claims, confirming that the procurement process remains on track.
The RTAF’s deployment of JAS 39C/D Gripens on July 26 marked the first time the Swedish-built jets were used in combat.
The aircraft were reportedly used to strike Cambodian artillery positions that had opened fire on Thai troops along a contested border zone.
