Thai Air Force Selects Swedish Gripen Jets Over F-16s: Reports

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has reportedly decided to procure Gripen fighter jets from Sweden instead of the U.S.-made F-16s.

This was reported by the Bangkok Post citing an air force source. Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Phanphakdee Phattanakul, the air force commander, has provided detailed comparisons of the Gripen E/F and F-16 Block 70 jets to Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for final approval. The commander recommended the Swedish aircraft.

On Wednesday, ACM Phanphakdee and other military leaders appeared before a House committee to outline their spending plans for the 2025 fiscal year, starting October 1. In response to inquiries about the jet fighter procurement plan, ACM Phanphakdee stated that he had discussed the matter with Defense Minister Sutin on Tuesday, explaining the selection process and the pros and cons of both the Gripen and the F-16, including additional support from their manufacturers, Saab AB and Lockheed Martin.

Minister Sutin will forward the information to Prime Minister Srettha on Wednesday. ACM Phanphakdee indicated that the final decision on the chosen aircraft would be announced by either the prime minister or the defense minister.

“The air force has yet to conclude which type of jet fighters it would choose,” the source added.

The air force aims to replace 12 ageing F-16s in its fleet over the next few years and has faced lobbying efforts from both Swedish and American officials. Defense Minister Sutin is scheduled to visit the United States at the invitation of U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Last week, the U.S. ambassador briefed Sutin about a loan proposal to acquire more F-16s, but the minister expressed concerns over the high-interest rate associated with the proposal.