JAS 39E Gripen. Photo: SAAB
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has chosen the Swedish-manufactured SAAB JAS 39E/F Gripen over the American Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 as its preferred fighter jet. A recommendation has been submitted to the government, according to Air Vice Marshal Boonlert Andara, the service’s spokesperson, on Sunday (Jul. 14).
“The procurement is in process (but is) dependent on the government,” he stated, as reported by Jane’s. He added that the programme would only progress following government assessments and budgetary approvals.
A definitive decision may take some time, particularly as the United States has offered to lower interest rates from 5% to 3.5% and extend repayment terms for the purchase of Lockheed Martin’s fighters. This offer was presented to the Thai government immediately after the RTAF’s announcement regarding its preferred fighter.
Currently, the Thai government is awaiting a counter offer from SAAB before making a final decision.
The RTAF has conducted an extensive study in recent months to find a replacement for its F-16A/B fighters assigned to the 102nd Squadron, Wing 1, at Korat in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The squadron was originally equipped with 15 F-16A and one F-16B since 1984 but has lost three F-16As due to accidents.
According to the RTAF White Paper released in February 2024, the service aims to acquire between 12 to 14 new fighter jets, complete with weapon systems, support, and training. Due to budget constraints, the acquisition will be carried out in several phases, with the first phase amounting to approximately THB 19 billion (around USD 539 million).
The RTAF currently operates a mix of around 33 F-5E/F, 50 F-16A/B from the United States and 11 Swedish-manufactured JAS 39C/D as its main combat jet fighters.
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