On June 4, The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) confirmed on its selection of Saab’s GRIPEN E/F as its new future multi-role fighter.

Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee Pattanakul, Commander-in-Chief of the RTAF provided additional details of the procurement in a press conference. “The Air Force has carefully considered the procedures and criteria for selecting the type. The most suitable replacement fighter aircraft that meets the current needs of the Air Force is the GRIPEN E/F fighter aircraft. The procurement method has been determined by the Government to Government or G-to-G method, in which the Swedish government has assigned the Swedish Military Materiel Administration (FMV) to be responsible for offering the GRIPEN E/F fighter aircraft for sale to the Air Force.” He added that once all the relevant approvals are received a formal contract is expected to be inked towards the end of August 2025. The RTAF is mandated to maintain an operationally ready status with a minimum of three squadrons worth of high-performance fighter aircraft. The 48 F-16s are operational with Wing 1 and Wing 4, while the RTAF’s 12 GRIPEN C/Ds are operational with Wing 7 at Surat Thani. Thailand has been operating the GRIPEN C/D since 2011.

The F-16s operating with Wing 1 at Nakon Ratchasima are now over 37 years old and will be gradually decommissioned in coming years, leaving the air arm with only 2 squadrons of fighter aircraft.

As a result, the RTAF has planned to induct 12 GRIPEN E/F fighter jets over a 10-year period. In Phase 1, a total of four GRIPEN E/Fs will be procured to replace some F-16 aircraft. The RTAF has also opted to equip its GRIPEN E/Fs with MBDA’s METEOR long-range Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM).

Air Chief Marshal Pattanakul also announced that the RTAF will also upgrade its SAAB 340 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft to the Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) version.  

Saab has offered a long-term offset package, in addition to GRIPEN E/F fighter aircraft and associated equipment. Saab has offered a total of 14 offset items for the import of military equipment, divided into seven Indirect Offset items and seven Direct Offset items. Saab's proposal for import offset offers seven direct offsets as follows: 1. Saab establishes a research and development office (Saab R&D Office) 2. Intellectual property rights (Intellectual Property Right) of Link-T 3. Development of tactical data link system (Link-T Development) 4. Development of aviation industry in aircraft upgrade 5. Promotion of aviation industry and creation of GRIPEN E/F supply chain in the country 6. Development of national maintenance capability 7. Development of maintenance capability at Wing 1.

The Swedish proposal for indirect offsets, consists of seven items; 1. Foreign direct investment 3. Establishment of innovation centre in Thailand 4. Promotion of agricultural technology development 5. Education and vocational skill development 6. Educational and research cooperation 7. English language skill development by British Council.

Follow us on Telegram, Facebook and X.