The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has decided to purchase JAS 39E/F Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, opting for these over the American-made F-16s on Tuesday (Aug. 27). This decision follows an assessment by an air force selection committee, which reviewed additional information submitted by both Saab, the Swedish manufacturer, and Lockheed Martin, the US competitor, on 20 August.
According to Air Chief Marshal Phanphakdee Phattanakul, the decision was heavily influenced by considerations such as technology transfer and training, areas that the Thai military prioritises in its procurement processes. After a thorough evaluation, the committee selected the Gripen E/F model over the F-16 Block 70/72.
ACM Phanphakdee stated that the air force would now draft documents to detail the reasons behind their choice to both the public and military leadership. This procurement is part of the Royal Thai Air Force’s plan to replace around a dozen of its ageing F-16s, and it intends to acquire four new fighter jets as the first step in this process.
The purchase awaits final approval from the new defence minister and cabinet, expected to be appointed shortly after the recent election of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
The RTAF has around 51 F-16A/B aircraft, acquired between 1987 and 2000. While some of these jets have been upgraded to the F-16AM/BM standard, the remainder have not received similar enhancements. In 2011, Thailand took delivery of its first six out of a total of twelve JAS-39 Gripen C/D fighters from Sweden, with 11 of these aircraft remaining in service today.
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