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
