Flyin’ high with Gripen: RTAF eyes Swedish jets amidst F-35A snub

[webfact]

 

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is considering the acquisition of three Gripen jet fighters from Sweden, following the United States’ recent refusal to sell F-35A fighter jets. The plan is to add these jets to the RTAF fleet in Wing 7, located in Surat Thani.

 

The RTAF Gripen fighters are an integral part of the nation’s air force, with 12 of these advanced Swedish jets currently stationed at Wing 7 in Surat Thani, however, with one aircraft having been previously lost in an accident. Each of the Swedish jets carries a price tag of approximately 2 billion baht.

 

Furthermore, Sweden is expected to update a radar system used by the RTAF, which is expected to cost around 4 billion baht. This system has been in service for a decade and is ready for an upgrade.

A panel to study and select suitable fighter aircraft for replacing Thailand’s F-16 fighter jets has not yet been formed by RTAF commander-in-chief ACM Alongkorn Wannarot. These planes have been in service for over three decades.

 

by Mitch Connor

Top Photo Courtesy of Corban Lundborg, Defence Blog

 

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-air-force-explores-gripen-jets-after-us-denies-f-35a-sale-2

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-16

 

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[nobodysfriend]

Who do they want to attack with that ?

It is a toy for the generals that the thai taxpayer has to finance ...

[Pouatchee]

didnt know sweden actually manufactured fighter jets. how do they compare to the f35?

[ezzra]

52 minutes ago, webfact said:

three Gripen jet fighters

A whole 3 Gripen jets, wow, are they sure they can afford them? ( and they were looking to but the F-35)

[Gottfrid]

2 hours ago, Pouatchee said:

didnt know sweden actually manufactured fighter jets. how do they compare to the f35?

They don´t

[ignore it]

Thought the Chinese already had the specs for the Gripen.  

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, Pouatchee said:

didnt know sweden actually manufactured fighter jets. how do they compare to the f35?

Depends on the driver.

[paul545]

Why don’t they want to use Chinese fighter jets? What with the recent announcement of their new military cooperation with the Chinese? 

[rwill]

24 minutes ago, paul545 said:

Why don’t they want to use Chinese fighter jets? What with the recent announcement of their new military cooperation with the Chinese? 

They offered to sell them wings for the submarines.

[Enoon]

4 hours ago, Pouatchee said:

didnt know sweden actually manufactured fighter jets. how do they compare to the f35?

 

Sweden has been manufacturing fighter jets since 1947 (first flight of Saab J21R)

 

 

[herfiehandbag]

6 hours ago, Pouatchee said:

didnt know sweden actually manufactured fighter jets. how do they compare to the f35?

Well, they work, and cost an awful lot less.

 

They are capable of operating from relatively short improvised airstrips ( roads).

 

The Swedish Air Force has developed techniques and equipments to allow rearming, refueling and "turn around" servicing without needing the very expensive (and very vulnerable) facilities required by the F35. I don't know whether the RTAF will buy into those skills and programmes

[metisdead]

Inflammatory posts have been removed.

[liddelljohn]

Gripen recently went through a massive Upgrade for new Variant to fill Big Brazilian order for up to 120 planes  over next 10 years  ,Saab is still a top defence engineering company , Ships, Muntions, Missiles, Planes, guns, at much more

[MrJ2U]

RTAF has lost most of its credibility during this Juntas 10 year.

 

Whatever Jets they eventually get from whatever Western country, they will have any advanced or next generation hardware/software stripped out in case RTAF decides to share it with there Chinese brethren. 

Edited June 16, 2023 by MrJ2U

[soalbundy]

19 hours ago, nobodysfriend said:

Who do they want to attack with that ?

It is a toy for the generals that the thai taxpayer has to finance ...

You have to see it as a combined forces strategy along with the submarines, Thailand's unique form of democracy must be protected from external interference and change.

[stoner]

15 hours ago, rwill said:

They offered to sell them wings for the submarines.

i head they were also retrofitting the subs with screen doors. 

[Hanuman2547]

10 hours ago, MrJ2U said:

Whatever Jets they eventually get from whatever Western country, they will have any advanced or next generation hardware/software stripped out in case RTAF decides to share it with there Chinese brethren. 

The main reason why the US wouldn't sell their F-35's to the Thai Air Force is due to the Thais getting more cozy with the Chinese.  Obviously, the Chinese would want to get their hands on a fully operational F-35 so it makes sense why the Americans wouldn't sell them to the Thais.

[tomazbodner]

23 hours ago, nobodysfriend said:

Who do they want to attack with that ?

It is a toy for the generals that the thai taxpayer has to finance ...

Tell that to the Ukrainians.

[Mr Meeseeks]

 It's akin to missing out on the waiting list for the brand new Benz and having to settle for a Honda Accord.

 

Still, plenty of opportunity for the Generals to make a bit of cash, just not as much as they originally wanted.