Thailand Finalises Saab Deal For 4 Gripen Jets
SWEDEN’S Saab announced the signing of a contract today with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and received an order for four JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter aircraft from FMV for the Kingdom of Thailand. The order value is approximately US$556 million with deliveries set to take place from 2025 to 2030.
The contract for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) includes three Gripen E and one Gripen F aircraft as well as associated equipment, support and training. Furthermore, Saab will also deliver a long-term offset package to Thailand as part of the fighter acquisition plan. This will include significant transfer of defence technology and industrial cooperation with Thailand together with new investments across many sectors of the national economy.
A Saab release read, “We welcome Thailand as the latest customer for Gripen E/F. Thailand is already a well-established Gripen user and familiar with the strengths that Gripen brings to the Royal Thai Armed Forces. Thailand has chosen the most modern fighter on the market with which to build its next generation of strategic, independent capabilities,” according to President and CEO of Saab Micael Johansson.
The RTAF currently operates one squadron of Gripen C/D multi-role fighters. Once in operation, the new Gripen E/F fighters will operate alongside Thailand’s existing Gripen fighter force. Earlier this month, Thailand’s Cabinet approved the purchase amidst its border row with Cambodia in which two Gripens from Wing 7 were used to strike targets.
The single-seat Gripen E and two-seat Gripen F are likely to be equipped with MBDA’s Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) and accompanying systems. Saab’s offset policy offers the RTAF access to its tactical data link which would provide the air force with an advantageous edge in the future, with plans to further develop their own version of the data link called Link T reportedly already in the works. Furthermore, Saab’s offer reportedly also includes upgrades of the air force’s Saab 340 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft without charge. The upgrades would typically cost an estimated US$146 million.
As Thailand continues to modernise its armed forces, international defence giants and decision-makers will gather at the 12th Defense & Security 2025 with the full backing of the kingdom’s Armed Forces. It is one of the longest running defence exhibitions since its inception two decades ago, gathering regional leaders and global industry powerhouses.With the Thai military accelerating efforts to reinforce its capabilities, Defense & Security 2025 is set to be bigger, faster, and more impactful than ever.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:RTAF)