Gripen Helps Secure Thai Sovereignty

Our Bureau - : Nov 11, 2025 - : 10:09 pm

Thailand’s decision to enhance its partnership with Sweden and Saab is indicative of the nation’s deep desire for sovereign autonomy in the military domain. Making a presentation at the show, Robert Hewson, Communications Director, Saab Aeronautics, stated that deliveries of the first aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2029.

These deliveries will effectively mark Thailand’s transition from its long-serving U.S. origin F-16s to the European-origin Gripen. Thailand’s decision to deepen its partnership with Sweden and Saab reflects the nation’s strong commitment to achieving sovereign autonomy in the defence domain. An important step in this direction is the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) acquisition contract for four Saab Gripen E/F fighters, signed in August 2025.

Making a presentation at the show, Robert Hewson, Communications Director, Saab Aeronautics, stated that deliveries of the first aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2029. These deliveries will mark Thailand’s transition from its long-serving U.S.-origin F-16s to the European-origin Gripen. Future “Batch Two” and “Batch Three” discussions are expected to follow in 2026 to fulfil the RTAF’s requirement for 12 aircraft in total.

Thailand will be the first customer outside Sweden to operate both current and future Gripens side by side. The new jets represent a significant step forward in the RTAF’s combat capability and national independence. Thailand has selected the Gripen not merely as an aircraft program but as the foundation of its sovereign air defence strategy, enabling Bangkok to maintain operational independence and regional deterrence.

In a major capability upgrade for the Royal Thai Armed Forces, the induction of the Gripen E/F will also lead to greater in-country transfer of Sweden’s Link-T datalink technology. Saab is establishing joint training pipelines for Thai students and engineers in Sweden under a sustained technology transfer framework beginning in 2026.

“Together, these measures enhance Thailand’s independent command, control, and networked warfare capability—key tenets of sovereignty in the digital battlespace,” Hewson said.

New Link-T technology transfer approvals are expected to be issued by Sweden in 2026. Under the offset programme, Thai technicians and engineers will receive training in Sweden to master system integration and support. The first group of Thai students is now preparing to begin MSc studies in Sweden in 2026.

The RTAF is already benefiting from the Gripen’s software-driven design, which allows for continuous upgrades. All its existing Gripen C/D fighter jets have undergone the MS20 enhancement, which standardised obsolescence management and introduced new radar modes. These upgrades have allowed the RTAF’s Gripen C/Ds to maintain alignment with the global fleet of this variant.

The aircraft’s electronic warfare (EW) system is a key differentiator—comprising around 40 antennas across infrared (IR) and radio frequency (RF) bands. Using gallium nitride technology, it provides electronic attack, protection, and intelligence capabilities without the need for external pods. Saab’s standalone EW system, Arexis, is derived from the Gripen’s own integrated suite and is being deployed by the Luftwaffe.

Thailand’s fleet has also benefited from the adaptability of not only the Gripen but also its Saab 340 Erieye airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft. Saab officials stated that the RTAF plans to upgrade the type at a later date, although no official contract has yet been signed. Importantly, the upgrade will convert the AEW platform into a more capable AEW&C aircraft with EW enhancements, improved data links, and command-and-control upgrades. This will ensure greater interoperability within the Thai military and improved performance in tropical conditions.