Thailand Approves Purchase of Additional Gripen Fighter Aircraft Amid War with Cambodia

On August 5, the Royal Thai Air Force announced that the government has approved the procurement of additional Swedish multirole Gripen fighter aircraft to enhance national air defense capabilities.

The decision comes amid ongoing hostilities with Cambodia, prompting the need to reinforce Thailand’s aerial defense systems.

The Air Force had earlier submitted a formal request to the Cabinet for the acquisition of more fighter aircraft.

According to The Nation Thailand, the approved deal includes four JAS 39E/F Gripen fighter aircraft, which are set to replace decommissioned aircraft in the current fleet.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force is scheduled to visit Sweden from August 23 to 27 to finalize the fighter aircraft procurement agreement with Saab.

The Nation also pointed out that earlier, Cambodia had claimed the Swedish government had blocked the sale of additional Gripen fighter aircraft to Thailand after a pair of aircraft were allegedly deployed in strikes against Cambodian forces.

However, according to the report, this claim was denied as false by both the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok and the Swedish government.

New Gripen Fighter Aircraft for Thailand

Last August, Reuters reported that the Royal Thai Air Force had selected Swedish Gripen E/F fighter jets to modernize the country’s fleet.

The Swedish aircraft was chosen after a detailed comparison with the American F-16V, which was also under consideration by Thailand.

As previously reported, up to 12 new JAS 39E/F jets, produced by Sweden’s Saab, could be ordered.

The procurement was expected to take place between 2025 and 2029.