Thailand’s evolving defense strategy and global alignment, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has announced a $500 million deal to purchase four Gripen E/F fighter jets from Swedish defense manufacturer Saab, snubbing the widely-used American F-16s. This acquisition marks the first phase in a decade-long plan to modernize Thailand’s air combat capabilities, replacing its aging fleet of U.S.-made F-16A/B aircraft procured in the 1980s.
The announcement was made by Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, who emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition. “This is an important project to strengthen our force to protect our sovereignty,” he said during a press briefing on Wednesday. The procurement order is scheduled to be submitted to the Thai cabinet for approval by mid-July and is expected to be finalized by the end of August.
This procurement is just the initial stage of a broader 10-year initiative to revamp the RTAF’s air power, with plans to acquire a total of 12 next-generation fighter jets. The selection of Saab’s Gripen E/F model follows an exhaustive 10-month evaluation comparing it to the latest U.S. model, the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72.
The RTAF initially announced its preference for the Gripen E/F in a Facebook post dated August 27, 2024, stating that the decision followed a rigorous and objective assessment. According to officials, the evaluation weighed multiple performance factors including operational flexibility, cost efficiency, and upgrade potential.
“The Gripen E/F fighter jet has a capability range that meets the Air Force’s principled and strategic needs,” an RTAF spokesperson said. “The aircraft can be further developed, resulting in increased multidimensional operational capabilities.”
The decision to opt for the Gripen jets over the more ubiquitous F-16s is being viewed as a calculated and strategic move. The Gripen E/F models offer a blend of modern avionics, advanced sensors, superior electronic warfare capabilities, and operational cost-effectiveness that, according to the RTAF, better align with Thailand’s defense priorities.
The Gripen is known for its ability to operate in complex and constrained environments. Unlike the F-16, which requires extensive logistical and maintenance infrastructure, the Gripen can be deployed and serviced from makeshift or austere airfields—a significant advantage given Thailand’s diverse terrain and regional security concerns.
Furthermore, the Gripen E/F is equipped with cutting-edge systems such as the Raven ES-05 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and advanced data link capabilities, giving it a technological edge in modern network-centric warfare. Saab also offers comprehensive industrial cooperation packages, including technology transfer and maintenance training, which are particularly attractive to mid-sized militaries like Thailand’s.
This decision has wide-ranging geopolitical ramifications. Historically, Thailand has maintained a strong defense relationship with the United States, and the majority of its existing air fleet consists of American-made platforms. The shift towards European technology, particularly at a time when global defense partnerships are being closely scrutinized, could signal a rebalancing of Thailand’s foreign policy.
Defense analysts suggest the move could be part of a broader strategy by Thailand to diversify its defense procurement sources and reduce overreliance on a single country. It may also reflect Bangkok’s desire to assert greater strategic autonomy in a rapidly changing Indo-Pacific security landscape.
“Thailand is making a clear statement that it wants flexibility in its defense relationships,” said Dr. Kavi Chongkittavorn, a senior fellow at the Institute of Security and International Studies in Bangkok. “While the U.S. remains a key ally, the selection of the Gripen demonstrates a willingness to explore alternatives that better suit national needs.”
Thailand is not new to the Gripen. In fact, it was the first Southeast Asian country to adopt the fighter, having procured a fleet of 12 Gripen C/D aircraft in the late 2000s. The Royal Thai Air Force currently operates these jets from its base in Surat Thani, which has since been upgraded to accommodate the new E/F models.
The Gripen C/D fleet has had a relatively successful operational record in Thailand, particularly in joint drills and air policing roles. The positive experience with the earlier Gripen generation played a pivotal role in the Air Force’s renewed confidence in the platform. With the newer E/F variants, Thailand is now poised to enter the next level of air combat proficiency.
One of the decisive factors in Saab’s favor was its robust industrial cooperation offer. Unlike U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreements, which often come with limitations on technology sharing, Saab has historically been open to co-production, technology transfers, and local industry engagement.
Thailand’s defense industry stands to gain significantly from this deal. Saab has previously collaborated with Thailand on developing advanced radar systems, command and control centers, and data link systems. Expanding this partnership could help foster indigenous defense capabilities and reduce long-term dependency on foreign suppliers.
“The Gripen isn’t just an aircraft purchase, it’s a strategic investment in Thailand’s technological future,” said Air Commodore (Ret.) Narong Thedsathit, a former RTAF strategist. “We’re not only getting a world-class aircraft, but also training, maintenance know-how, and a seat at the table of future defense innovation.”
Despite the strategic rationale, the acquisition has not been without its detractors. Some critics argue that the $500 million price tag for only four aircraft is excessive, especially at a time when Thailand faces domestic economic challenges, including income inequality and post-pandemic recovery concerns.
Additionally, skeptics question whether the country is prepared to maintain and operate the high-tech jets over the long term, especially considering the significant infrastructure and personnel training that advanced systems like the Gripen E/F require.
“Buying high-end fighter jets is one thing. Integrating them into a coherent and sustainable defense ecosystem is another,” said Dr. Wilasinee Thongchai, a defense economist at Thammasat University. “We need to ensure that this acquisition doesn’t become a white elephant.”
Nevertheless, supporters argue that national security investments should not be evaluated solely on immediate return but on their long-term strategic value.
The deal still awaits formal approval from the Thai cabinet, expected by mid-July. Once approved, the contract is likely to be signed by the end of August. Initial deliveries could begin as early as 2027, with the remaining jets and associated systems arriving in phases.
As part of the deal, the RTAF will also receive comprehensive training packages for pilots and ground crew, advanced mission planning systems, spare parts, and a dedicated logistics support framework.
Looking forward, Thailand’s broader defense roadmap includes upgrading its aerial refueling capability, enhancing airspace surveillance systems, and participating more actively in regional defense collaborations. The Gripen acquisition is expected to be a keystone in this transformation.
Thailand’s decision to procure Saab Gripen E/F jets marks a significant milestone in its military modernization journey. The move not only reflects a strategic recalibration of its defense procurement philosophy but also signals a more diversified and autonomous foreign policy approach. As regional tensions simmer and technological capabilities evolve, Thailand’s investment in advanced airpower demonstrates a clear intent to remain agile, prepared, and sovereign in a rapidly changing.
