Thailand Announces Procurement of New Fleet of Saab Gripen E/F Fighter Jets

Thailand Announces Procurement of New Fleet of Saab Gripen E/F Fighter Jets

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) officially announced the procurement of a new fleet of Saab JAS 39 Gripen E and F multirole fighter jets to modernize its combat aviation capabilities. The Thai government has approved the initial acquisition of four aircraft as part of a long-term plan to replace legacy platforms and strengthen national airspace defense. The first phase will include the integration of the Swedish next-generation fighter into the RTAF's frontline squadrons by 2029, with the full program targeting a total of twelve aircraft delivered in phases by 2035. This announcement reflects Thailand's strategic move towards greater autonomy in air operations and its ongoing partnership with Saab. Thailand currently operates a fleet of twelve Saab JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft, consisting of eight single-seat C models and four twin-seat D models, based at Wing 7 in Surat Thani.

These aircraft were delivered between 2011 and 2013 as part of Thailand's initial transition from US-built fighters to Swedish-built platforms. In operational service, the Gripen C/D fleet has become the RTAF's core multirole fighter capability, integrated with two Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft and a network-centric command and control infrastructure. Gripens are regularly deployed for maritime patrols, joint exercises, and fast air interception tasks in Thai airspace and the Gulf of Thailand. Recent escalating border tensions with Cambodia marked a turning point in Thailand's airpower deployments. On July 26, 2025, RTAF Gripen C fighters conducted precision airstrikes against Cambodian artillery positions in response to repeated cross-border firing incidents near the disputed Preah Vihear region. This engagement marked the first confirmed combat use of Gripens in Royal Thai Air Force service and underscored the growing demand for modern platforms with longer range, electronic warfare capabilities, and strike precision. The operational effectiveness of the Gripen C/D in limited conflict scenarios played a key role in expediting government approval for the acquisition of the new E/F.

The upcoming Gripen E and F variants represent a significant generational leap over the C/D models currently in service. The Gripen E is equipped with a more powerful General Electric F414G engine, offering 20 percent more thrust than the RM12 engine used on the Gripen C. The aircraft is equipped with the advanced Raven ES-05 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which provides longer detection range and improved tracking of low-RCS targets. The aircraft also integrates the Skyward-G infrared search and track (IRST) system, which improves passive target acquisition in contested electronic environments. With increased internal fuel capacity, the Gripen E offers longer range and flight time, while a newly redesigned avionics architecture based on high-speed Ethernet links allows for rapid software updates and future scalability. The two-seat Gripen F variant is specifically designed for training, advanced mission coordination, and tactical leadership roles, making it ideal for squadron integration and pilot conversion training.

Both variants are equipped with a variety of precision-guided munitions, including the beyond-visual-range Meteor air-to-air missile, offering superior strike capability against regional adversaries. By committing to the Swedish SAAB JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter jet, Thailand is strengthening its long-standing defense partnership with Sweden while moving away from reliance on US platforms following the failed F-35 bid. With delivery of the first four aircraft expected in 2029 and subsequent deliveries through the next decade, the Royal Thai Air Force is securing the future of its air combat capabilities through a combination of proven technology, modern architecture, and strategic industrial cooperation with Saab.

Source: Facebook admin technology military strategy

Egypt Enters Turkey's Kaan Fighter Jet Program with Joint Production Plans

Egypt Enters Turkey's Kaan Fighter Jet Program with Joint Production Plans.

Turkey had previously reached a preliminary agreement with Indonesia for the future sale of Kaan fighter jets.

Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

Egypt has received formal approval to join Turkey's indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet program, the Kaan. This development marks a significant milestone in defense cooperation between the two countries and underscores Egypt's intention to become a key player in next-generation aerospace technology. The bilateral agreement reportedly includes provisions for technology transfer, a collaborative production line, and the future procurement of Kaan fighter jets by the Egyptian Air Force.

The Kaan is designed to match or even surpass the capabilities of other fifth-generation platforms such as the US F-35 Lightning II, the Russian Su-57 Felon, and the Chinese J-20 Mighty Dragon. The aircraft features a low-observability airframe with radar-absorbent materials and sharply angled surfaces to reduce its radar cross-section (RCS). The internal weapons bay configuration allows the aircraft to maintain stealth during combat missions, and conformal fuel tanks are being developed to extend operational range while maintaining a low-observability profile. The aircraft is designed for multi-domain operations with a digital backbone that supports sensor fusion, cooperative engagement capabilities, and real-time battlefield data integration across allied forces.

One of the Kaan's key technological advantages is its next-generation active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, developed by ASELSAN. This radar offers target tracking, electronic attack, and synthetic aperture radar imaging functions in a single integrated suite. Combined with an advanced infrared search and track system (IRST), a distributed aperture system (DAS), and an electro-optical targeting system (EOTS), the radar allows pilots to detect, track, and engage enemy aircraft without relying solely on radar emissions. The cockpit features a panoramic touchscreen, a voice command interface, and a helmet-mounted display system (HMDS), which maximizes pilot situational awareness and reduces workload during high-intensity combat. The Kaan's twin-engine configuration is initially powered by General Electric F110-GE-129 engines, pending the future integration of domestically developed engines in a parallel engine development program led by TRMotor and TÜBITAK-SAGE. Each engine produces over 29,000 pounds of thrust, enabling sustained supersonic speeds (supercruise) above Mach 1.8 without afterburners, a critical requirement for survivability in high-altitude conflict. The platform is expected to have a combat radius exceeding 1,100 kilometers and a service ceiling above 55,000 feet.

With a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 27,000 kg, the Kaan is designed to carry an internal payload of up to 1,500 kg in its weapons bay and an external payload of over 6,000 kg under its wings when stealth is not required. The Kaan's modular architecture supports a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, including Gökdogan and Bozdogan missiles, precision-guided bombs, anti-ship missiles, and long-range cruise weapons such as the SOM-J. Electronic warfare pods, jamming systems, and satellite communications suites are also planned as optional integrations to adapt the aircraft for specialized roles, such as suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) and strategic strike missions. In addition to its technical attributes, the fighter is built with an artificial intelligence-based mission system, predictive maintenance capabilities, and secure data link interoperability for NATO and non-NATO coalition operations. As part of its growing international reach and defense export ambitions, Turkey has previously reached a preliminary agreement with Indonesia for the future sale of Kaan fighter jets. This agreement, which is still in its early stages, includes potential joint development opportunities and technology transfer, reflecting both countries' shared interest in enhancing domestic defense capabilities.

Indonesia, which has long sought to modernize its air force beyond Russian and Western platforms, views Kaan as a strategic alternative that balances cost, capability, and industrial collaboration. While no final contract has been disclosed, officials from both sides have signaled a strong intention to move forward, positioning Indonesia as a potential first foreign operator for Turkey's fifth-generation fighter jet. The geopolitical relevance of this collaboration between Egypt and Turkey lies in its potential to reshape regional power dynamics at a time when Middle East and North Africa defense strategies are being increasingly disrupted.

For the First Time, Stealth Fighter Sukhoi Su-57 Felon Successfully Dest...

For the First Time, Stealth Fighter Sukhoi Su-57 Felon Shoots Down Opponent Fighter.

Tuesday, 1-11-2022.

Since flying for the first time on January 29, 2010 and entering the service of the Russian Air Force at the end of 2020, netizens have many questions, when will the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon stealth fighter jet compete in real air-to-air combat, to the point of bringing down the opponent's aircraft?

So far, the Su-57 has been involved in Russia's military operations in Syria, and was said to have been deployed on a limited basis in the early stages of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February. However, the Su-57 in military operations is deployed for air-to-surface missions, which means that it does not face off against opposing fighter jets.

Quoted from eurasiantimes.com (19/10/2022), it was mentioned for the first time that Russia's fifth-generation fighter jet, the Su-57, managed to bring down an opponent's fighter jet, namely the target of a Su-27 fighter jet belonging to the Ukrainian Air Force. The claim, originating from svpressa.ru, reveals that the Ukrainian Su-27 was shot down using a hypersonic long-range air-to-air missile, the Vympel R-37M. Still from the same source, it is said that the Su-27 was at an altitude to intercept the Russian kamikaze drone Geran-2 (Shaded-136).

According to the report, the Su-57 was most likely responsible for firing the missile, as US Air Force AWACS patrolling in Poland and Romania in 24/7 mode were unable to detect it.

Unfortunately, the location and date of the incident is not stated. For the record, the R-37M missile can also be launched from MiG-31BM and Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets. It was previously widely reported that the MiG-31BM used these missiles to strike targets in Ukraine. Samuel Ramani, foreign and defense policy expert, tweeted that a Russian MiG-31 armed with R-37M missiles and Kinzhal hypersonic missiles recently landed in Belarus.

Meanwhile, Russian media claimed that the Russian Air Force used a new technique to locate Ukrainian air defense installations. In this tactic, Russian warplanes fire R-37M (RVV-BD) missiles in anticipation of rocket or missile attacks from Ukrainian air defense systems. Thus, the counterattack of the Ukrainian troops revealed their position.

AWACS Killer

The R-37 missile itself is not very recent, lined up as the Very Long Range Missile, the R-37 design has been first designed since the early 1980s, and was first known to exist in 1989.

With a weight of up to 600 kg and a firing range of up to 398 km, this super long-range air-to-air missile is prepared by Russia (d/h – Soviet Union) as a competitor to the United States' AIM-54 Phoenix. Even the R-37's glide speed reaches Mach 6, while the famous AIM-54 Phoenix is ??released from the F-14 Tomcat, the maximum speed is Mach 5.

With a shooting range beyond visual range, as well as super speed, of course this missile target is very chosen and strategic. For example, the target of the R-37 is the AWACS (Airborne Warning And Control System) reconnaissance aircraft and C4ISTAR capable aircraft.

The latest variant, called the R-37M, can track targets with semi-active and active radar homing. Targets can also dauber from an altitude of 15 to 25,000 meters.

Compared to the first generation R-37 which reached a weight of 600 kg, the R-37M weight can be reduced to 510 kg. The warhead is HE (High Explosive) fragmented with a weight of 60 kg, although it doesn't hit the target directly, the explosion effect is believed to be able to destroy AWACS. Speed ??is maintained at Mach 6 or 7,350 km / h. (Prime Gilang)

Source: www.indomilitary.com

CONVINCED Defense Minister Prabowo Hopes In the Next 5 Years Indonesia C...

Defense Minister Prabowo Hopes In the Next 5 Years, Indonesia Can Build Its Own Fighter Jet.

Thursday, 27-10-2022.

Minister of Defense (Menhan) Prabowo Subianto hopes that, in the next five years, Indonesia can make its own fighter jets.

Prabowo admits that at this time, Indonesia has not been able to manufacture it independently because of the difficulty of obtaining key technology for fighter aircraft. However, Prabowo is optimistic that one day, Indonesia will be able to build its own fighter aircraft.

"That's why we cooperate with Korea, we will cooperate with several other countries. We can hope that in five years we can have fighters (fighter jets) made in Indonesia quite well," Prabowo said at the Ministry of Defense (Kemenhan) Office, Jakarta, Thursday (27/10/2022).

In line with that, Prabowo reminded policy makers to believe in the abilities of the nation's children.

According to him, the ability of the nation's children is actually not inferior to the ability of other countries.

However, Prabowo admits to being surprised because some parties are often more amazed by things that smell foreign.

"Our abilities are not bad, sometimes we are always amazed by everything that is all foreign, even though our manufacture is also okay. Maybe not as cool as it looks," he explained.

Therefore, Prabowo believes that in the next five years there will be a rapid increase made by the nation's children for the country.

"I think 3 to 5 years we will see a better improvement in the abilities of our children," he added. (Achmad Nasrudin Yahya)

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