Thailand Air Force Chooses Gripen Jets Over F-16s for Better Benefits

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has announced its decision to purchase Swedish Gripen jets instead of the US-made F-16 aircraft, citing greater benefits for Thailand. This decision, revealed by Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, aims to replace the ageing F-16 jets currently stationed at Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima.

 

The selection process involved evaluating 22 different jets before narrowing it down to the Gripen and a new model of the F-16. The Gripen was chosen for its better offer of technology transfer and offsets, which are expected to bring long-term benefits to Thailand.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai backs this decision, now affirming the Gripen jets meet the air force's needs while aligning with the government's policies to avoid heavy financial burdens.

 

 

The Royal Thai Air Force finds confidence in the decision due to their familiarity with Gripen jets, potentially reducing training and maintenance costs. Currently, they are discussing details with Sweden to finalize the agreement, which is slated for Cabinet approval by April or May.

 

Next month, tests will be conducted to evaluate the Gripen's capability for short-runway takeoffs and landings. This is pivotal, as the Swedish air force notes the jet needs at least 400 meters for takeoff and 500 meters for landing.

 

-- 2025-01-27

 

 

[Captain Flack]

An anti Thai comment, plus some off topic posts have been removed.

[LosLobo]

 Chosen for better benefits?

Not as good as the benefits on Thailand's original purchase.

BAe Systems, the preferred supplier on behalf of Saab won the contract with their willingness to accept a barter deal on surplus frozen chicken.

[Moonlover]

Here's a short but informative for those have an interest these matters.

 

It's many years since I cozied up to a fighter jet, but I like to keep myself informed.

 

https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&q=is+the+saab+gripen+any+good&sourceid=opera&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:707d6b6c,vid:TdjGh5DgVm8,st:0

[newbee2022]

"Better Benefits"

 

Whose benefits and how much?😳

[ALLSEEINGEYE]

Someone will pocket a lot of tea money here

[biggles45]

The Swedes had the benefit of brown paper bags rather than brown envelopes........ they hold more! 

[Dan747]

The question asked in 1988 to the RTAF when getting ready to buy the F-16's from General Dynamics was "What is your THREAT?"

[herfiehandbag]

One of the "selling points" often made for the Grippen is that it is capable of landing and taking off from roads.

 

What is usually ignored is that these stretches of road are specifically constructed/reinforced to take the stresses of having aircraft landing and taking off on them.

 

Furthermore just about every road in Thailand is lined ( often on both sides) with concrete utility poles.

[Hanuman2547]

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has chosen the Gripen E/F to replace its F-16A/B Fighting Falcons.  That is a little bit better as the F-16A/B is a bit older than the Gripen E/F.  A lot of similarities between the two aircraft though in terms of performance and available weaponry.  

[spidermike007]

Anytime a nation says no to the military industrial complex of the US, it is a good thing. As long as they are not supporting criminal regimes like China or Russia. 

[fobuff]

Yea, Right,

 

Benefits for whom....   The generals

[Foexie]

GOOD not do same as many and kisses us-butts