Sweden Pitches Gripen Fighter Jets to Thailand

[webfact]

 

SAAB, the renowned aviation and defence company, has made a strong case for selling its state-of-the-art Gripen fighter jets to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).

 

This comes as Thailand looks to replace its ageing fleet of F-16s, aiming for more modern and advanced aircraft. 

 

Press Tour Highlights Cutting-Edge Technology 

 

To impress their potential buyers, SAAB recently opened the doors of their Stockholm headquarters to a group of Thai reporters. The visit included a tour of the House of Gripen, the dedicated site for the production of Gripen E/F models.

 

The reporters experienced firsthand the advanced capabilities of the Gripen E, including a sophisticated flight simulator. The simulator showcased the fighter jet’s modern nautical control technology, a key selling point for the Swedish manufacturer.

 

Preference Over American F-16s 

 

Sources indicate that the Gripen E/F model is currently the frontrunner in the RTAF’s 19-billion-baht fighter jet procurement project. Earlier this month, RTAF commander ACM Phanphakdee Phatthanakul and other key officials visited Sweden to discuss potential deals with SAAB.

 

Technological Edge and Unique Features 

 

According to Robert Björklund, Gripen Thailand campaign director, the Gripen E/F jets come with an array of high-tech features. These include fully networked sensor fusion and three types of advanced radars: Raven ES-05-AESA, Skyward G-IRST, and Mode 5-IFF. Importantly, the jets are also compatible with both the Link-16 data link system and the RTAF-developed Link-TH system.

 

Notably, SAAB is proposing that Thailand develop its national datalinks, a radio communication system for the jets, to enhance operational flexibility and secure sensitive data.

 

Strengthening Bilateral Ties 

 

Frans Unosson, Director of Industrial Cooperation at SAAB, emphasised the broader impact of this deal. He stated that the procurement would not only bolster Thailand’s defence capabilities but also strengthen economic ties between the two nations. Sweden has already invested significantly in Thailand, contributing at least 128 billion baht to its economy through various exports.

 

Commitment to Long-Term Cooperation

 

Unosson also highlighted that the Gripen procurement aligns with Thailand’s Defence Offset policy, which stipulates that at least 100% of the investment must be returned to the Thai economy. 

 

During a meeting with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at the World Economic Forum, SAAB’s CEO Marcus Wallenberg discussed potential investments and technology transfer plans for the maintenance of the jets.

 

In conclusion, SAAB's well-rounded offer positions the Gripen as a formidable contender for Thailand’s next generation of fighter jets, promising not just military superiority but also economic and industrial benefits.

 

File photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

-- 2024-06-17

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

[KhunLA]

Good choice since already have some Saab aircrafts.   Especially since joining BRICS, to avoid any headaches or cancelled orders/parts in the future.  Stay away from USA toys.

[hotchilli]

Good pedigree fighter jet...

[klauskunkel]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Notably, SAAB is proposing that Thailand develop its national datalinks, a radio communication system for the jets, to enhance operational flexibility and secure sensitive data.

securing sensitive data... the Thai government? 

[OneZero]

Looks like a good fit.

Just don't be tempted by any PRC/CCP loss leader "Faustian Bargains".

[Srikcir]

4 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Stay away from USA toys.

Every day in the Russian-Ukraine war the US "toys" have proven to be superior weapons. Russia is in hysteria anticipating F-16's to flown by Ukraine to be used in Ukraine combat zones and possibly over Russia.

The Gripen is a light air combat fighter with good agility & modest strike capability. It would do well for national defense within Thailand. Unlike Ukraine, Thailand does not have a border with any aggressive state.

The F-16 is a much heavier & more powerful aircraft that has morphed from an air superiority fighter into a medium strike fighter with good agility & powerful strike capability. It would be superior outside of Thailand. Note that South Korea facing war mongering North Korea has F-16's. Same for Taiwan facing daily invasion threats from China. 

 

[Purdey]

The article isn't clear. Will SAAB sell directly or go through an agent? 

Without an agent, how will the RTAF top brass get their commission?

[KhunLA]

1 hour ago, Purdey said:

The article isn't clear. Will SAAB sell directly or go through an agent? 

Without an agent, how will the RTAF top brass get their commission?

You actually believe the 'world corruption index' ... 

 

Man involved in anything = corrupt