Thailand Selects Saab Gripen E/F Fighters

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has confirmed its selection of the Saab Gripen E/F multirole fighter as its next-generation combat aircraft, moving forward in its fleet modernization plan.

The decision was announced today and follows a long evaluation process that included competing bids, including an offer by Lockheed Martin backed by the U.S. government.

Swedish aerospace company Saab, together with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), will now enter the next phase of the procurement process with Thailand. As of now, Saab has not signed a contract or received a formal order, but negotiations are expected to proceed in the coming months.

While the number of aircraft has not been officially disclosed, the deal is expected to include 14 jets in both single- and twin-seat configurations.

Saab’s offer includes more than just the aircraft. A proposed long-term offset package promises to enhance Thailand’s strategic autonomy, offering investment opportunities, job creation, and technology transfer across multiple sectors. Specifics of this industrial cooperation package remain under discussion.

Thailand has operated 11 Gripen C/D fighters since 2011, based at Surat Thani Air Force Base. With the Gripen E/F, the country becomes the third international operator of this upgraded variant after Sweden and Brazil.

The RTAF’s preference for the Gripen E/F was first communicated in the third quarter of 2024. However, Lockheed Martin continued to push for its F-16 fighter in the final round, offering favorable financial terms with U.S. government backing.

Further updates are expected once contractual negotiations are finalized and delivery timelines are set.