Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand is on the cusp of cementing a significant fighter jet procurement agreement with Sweden, amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the deal’s initial phase would be formalised on Tuesday, August 26, during a diplomatic visit led by Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.

 

This development comes on the heels of Thailand's revelation that its Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets were deployed in active combat for the first time last month. These aircraft played a pivotal role during heightened clashes on the Thai-Cambodian border, executing precision strikes against Cambodian targets. The Royal Thai Air Force's (RTAF) decision to engage its Gripens marks a significant operational milestone.

 

Foreign Minister Maris’s upcoming visit to Sweden, which begins this Sunday, August 24, isn’t solely about advanced military hardware. It also aims to elevate Thai-Swedish relations to the level of a strategic partnership, a status previously accorded only to the United Kingdom amongst European nations. This move underscores Thailand’s pursuit of strengthened alliances amidst evolving regional dynamics.

 

During the visit, Maris will converse with Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard about key themes such as regional security challenges and expanded defence cooperation. The outcome of these discussions is poised to redefine Thailand's diplomatic stance in Europe and fortify its international relations. Ministry Spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura emphasised that the planned agreement represents a monumental step forward for Thai-European partnerships.

 

Central to this agreement is the Gripen E/F fighter jet—a state-of-the-art aircraft lauded for its cutting-edge radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and cost-efficient operation. These attributes have rendered it an appealing choice for numerous mid-sized air forces across the globe. Thailand, with its fleet of older Gripen models, views the acquisition as a crucial component of its military modernisation efforts.

 

While specifics of the acquisition remain under wraps, military experts suggest the agreement reflects Thailand’s strategic objective to enhance its defence posture in response to growing regional tensions. The deal may also encompass facets of joint training programmes or technology transfer initiatives, indicating deeper military collaboration.

 

For Sweden, this agreement not only underscores its prowess in defence technology but also bolsters its diplomatic footprint in Southeast Asia—one of the world's most dynamic economic arenas. By aligning with Thailand—an influential regional player—Sweden reaffirms its commitment to fostering international security partnerships.

 

The timing of the deal is noteworthy, especially following the RTAF’s inaugural combat deployment of its Gripens. This bold display of military capability signals Thailand's readiness to assert itself on the regional stage. It marks a progression towards a robust defence apparatus capable of addressing both current and emerging threats.

 

In economic terms, the Thai-Swedish partnership could yield mutual benefits. Sweden gains access to Thailand’s burgeoning market, while Thailand secures advanced military hardware and technological insights, potentially fuelling further economic collaboration.

 

As preparations for the signing ceremony intensify, it remains clear that this deal is more than a mere transaction of military assets. It is a strategic alliance that may reshape regional power dynamics and set a precedent for future endeavours between the two nations.

 

In an era where aerial dominance and diplomatic agility are increasingly intertwined, Thailand's engagement with Sweden represents a calculated stride towards securing its national interests while fortifying global ties.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-21

 

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand is on the cusp of cementing a significant fighter jet procurement agreement with Sweden, amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the deal’s initial phase would be formalised on Tuesday, August 26, during a diplomatic visit led by Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.

At least from Sweden you get what you ordered and paid for

I assume that cuddling up to the Swedes would have implications for any (proposed) cuddling with the Russkis ...

7 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

I assume that cuddling up to the Swedes would have implications for any (proposed) cuddling with the Russkis ...

Definitely, shortly 30 day exempt entry for Russkis, no extensions permitted.......😉 

This is fantastic news, anytime any nation can say no to the spectacularly corrupt military industrial complex which is America, that is a good thing for the entire region. America needs to hear NO more often these days, and nations need to start rejecting America's and Trump's hubris, arrogance, and false sense of exceptionalism.

Pity that Thailand not ordered submarine from Sweden too. 

30 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

This is fantastic news, anytime any nation can say no to the spectacularly corrupt military industrial complex which is America, that is a good thing for the entire region. America needs to hear NO more often these days, and nations need to start rejecting America's and Trump's hubris, arrogance, and false sense of exceptionalism.

And what do you call as corrupt military industrial complex as in America.  Thailand asked for the F-35 from the US.  The US noted that Thailand does not have the ability to maintain such an aircraft the way it needs to be.  They did get the F-16s from us.  Trump and his policy of not starting wars or fighting 20 year wars does not exactly continue the  military industrial complex as pointed out by Eisenhower.  You Leftist will not give credit to Trump no matter what he does.  The world is a much safer place with him as President.  He is not funding our enemies like Obama and Biden did,  He was the only President to end Iran's terror of have nuclear weapons.  Leftist are always on the wrong side of history.  Biden was for over 50 years.

21 minutes ago, thaipo7 said:

And what do you call as corrupt military industrial complex as in America.  Thailand asked for the F-35 from the US.  The US noted that Thailand does not have the ability to maintain such an aircraft the way it needs to be.  They did get the F-16s from us.  Trump and his policy of not starting wars or fighting 20 year wars does not exactly continue the  military industrial complex as pointed out by Eisenhower.  You Leftist will not give credit to Trump no matter what he does.  The world is a much safer place with him as President.  He is not funding our enemies like Obama and Biden did,  He was the only President to end Iran's terror of have nuclear weapons.  Leftist are always on the wrong side of history.  Biden was for over 50 years.

 The world is a much safer place,dream on. The man is a clown Putin is playing Trump like a fiddle. 

 

 

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

This is fantastic news, anytime any nation can say no to the spectacularly corrupt military industrial complex which is America, that is a good thing for the entire region. America needs to hear NO more often these days, and nations need to start rejecting America's and Trump's hubris, arrogance, and false sense of exceptionalism.

Yes, but is it a ruse? Are they doing this to 'hold the American companies' feet to the fire'? In other words, could they still end up buying F-something fighters, or is this a final, final deal in the face of big US tariffs? If the latter, good for them. Don't cave to Trump.

Great choice for the Gripen. Much better then those americain built F35a crap at cheating prices, that gives the US a constant report on the whereabouts of the plane, ripoff prices for regular upgrding and software updating and the means for the americans to desactivate it by distance if they deem so. 

1 hour ago, thaipo7 said:

And what do you call as corrupt military industrial complex as in America.  Thailand asked for the F-35 from the US.  The US noted that Thailand does not have the ability to maintain such an aircraft the way it needs to be.  They did get the F-16s from us.  Trump and his policy of not starting wars or fighting 20 year wars does not exactly continue the  military industrial complex as pointed out by Eisenhower.  You Leftist will not give credit to Trump no matter what he does.  The world is a much safer place with him as President.  He is not funding our enemies like Obama and Biden did,  He was the only President to end Iran's terror of have nuclear weapons.  Leftist are always on the wrong side of history.  Biden was for over 50 years.

"The world is a much safer place with him as President."

 

Ignorance is bliss, isn't it?

 

Trump has destroyed America's reputation as a trustworthy ally.  Countries that had previously assumed they did not need their own nuclear arsenal because they were protected by America's deterrent umbrella are now covertly working to develop their own weapons.  They won't intentionally go public with this until they have acquired enough weapons and delivery systems to have a credible deterrence, but it is happening. 

 

Within a decade the single digit number of nuclear armed states will be in double digits, and will continue to increase until misjudgment, miscommunication, technical error or some other issue results in their use.  Our technology dependent economy and society will collapse after just a few above ground nuclear blasts.  Do a search on the 1962 Starfish Prime nuclear test and it's effects on the electrical systems in Hawaii hundreds of miles away.  Modern technology is orders of magnitudes more vulnerable than the comparatively rugged technology of the early 1960's.  Without our modern technology, the world economy and society will collapse.

 

I am old enough to (probably) die of natural causes before this happens.  My apologies to the young.  I tried to warn others, but nuclear war is a topic most people deal with through ignorance and denial.

 

Regarding the topic:  Sure, why not?  I have my doubts as to Thailand's actual need for modern fighter jets, but the military must be kept happy, and maybe Gripens will keep it happy for a while.

Will they be subject to tariffs?

Everything turns Political in these threads.

 

My understanding is the Gripen is a great fighter.  It uses advanced electronics to give it an advantage against a threat.  They talk about a lower maintenance cost as well.

 

For Thailand the Gripen is probably the best choice.  My understanding is the F-35's stealth coating requires a lot of maintenance depending on the environment they are used in.

 

Thailand probably sees the Operational Readiness of the Gripen as an advantage.

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the Thai-Cambodian border, executing precision strikes against Cambodian targets. The Royal Thai Air Force's (RTAF) decision to engage its Gripens marks a significant operational milestone.

 

IMO the Cambodian military should invest in surface to air missile systems that can shoot them down!

 

Will they have Chinese engines

4 hours ago, Olof Karlsson said:

Pity that Thailand not ordered submarine from Sweden too. 

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/war-games-swedish-stealth-submarine-sank-us-aircraft-carrier-116216

JAS39, aka Gripen, is currently the most advanced 4-4.5 generation multirole fighter jet.

With the latest advances in radar and sensor technologies, the stealth aircraft will become obsolete within a few short years.

You can then scrap your F-35 as they are useless in aerial dog fights. 

I wonder why they didn't go for the latest Chinese fighters. Pakistan seemed to have got one over on the Indians using them.

They are already buying subs, so why not planes?

2 hours ago, Burma Bill said:

 

IMO the Cambodian military should invest in surface to air missile systems that can shoot them down!

 

Or get Gripens of their own.

 

6 hours ago, thaipo7 said:

You Leftist will not give credit to Trump no matter what he does.

The people who will not give Trump any credit are those who think their libel and slander will convince the centrists or moderates to turn against President Trump.  Many people on the left have become so hateful of him that they have come to hate the US and if they're citizens they hate their own country.  It has a lot to do with their parents and grandparents who protested against the war in Vietnam and rejected Christianity.  The sad thing is in the late 60' and 80's the protest then were peaceful (or that's what I remember), but now the 2nd & 3rd generation think they must out do that generation (plus now there are organized NGO's and other organization that pay the protestors) who have raised the demonstrations to the need for violence.  Pretty sad...

2 hours ago, Burma Bill said:

IMO the Cambodian military should invest in surface to air missile systems that can shoot them down!

Why would you say such a thing?  That's crazy talk.

21 minutes ago, AgMech Cowboy said:

The people who will not give Trump any credit are those who think their libel and slander will convince the centrists or moderates to turn against President Trump.  Many people on the left have become so hateful of him that they have come to hate the US and if they're citizens they hate their own country.  It has a lot to do with their parents and grandparents who protested against the war in Vietnam and rejected Christianity.  The sad thing is in the late 60' and 80's the protest then were peaceful (or that's what I remember), but now the 2nd & 3rd generation think they must out do that generation (plus now there are organized NGO's and other organization that pay the protestors) who have raised the demonstrations to the need for violence.  Pretty sad...

You neglected to add "IMHO".  Your post is all unsubstantiated opinion, and ridiculously biased opinion at that.

 

I suspect you are one of the many people who can't distinguish between factual news and the nonsense put out by pundits, propagandists and trolls.

1 hour ago, SpaceKadet said:

JAS39, aka Gripen, is currently the most advanced 4-4.5 generation multirole fighter jet.

With the latest advances in radar and sensor technologies, the stealth aircraft will become obsolete within a few short years.

You can then scrap your F-35 as they are useless in aerial dog fights. 

There a comment in the section of the video "Is Sweden's Gripen a Smarter Choice Than the US F-35" Explains how Stealth is achieved in certain angles and cross sections.  That advanced air defense systems and planes can already detect stealth at Altitude. From distance it makes weapons harder to lock onto the aircraft.

Talks about even though Steath may give the signature of a bird the Altitude and Speed are greater than any bird can achieve.

 

Then talks about with the advanced communications (networking) in the Gripen it could possibly triangulate the position of an F-35 from information relayed from ground systems without ever turning on its own Radar.

 

Talks about as soon as any plane turns on their Radar they light up like a lighthouse on other aircraft and ground systems.

 

15 minutes ago, J Branche said:

There a comment in the section of the video "Is Sweden's Gripen a Smarter Choice Than the US F-35" Explains how Stealth is achieved in certain angles and cross sections.  That advanced air defense systems and planes can already detect stealth at Altitude. From distance it makes weapons harder to lock onto the aircraft.

Talks about even though Steath may give the signature of a bird the Altitude and Speed are greater than any bird can achieve.

 

Then talks about with the advanced communications (networking) in the Gripen it could possibly triangulate the position of an F-35 from information relayed from ground systems without ever turning on its own Radar.

 

Talks about as soon as any plane turns on their Radar they light up like a lighthouse on other aircraft and ground systems.

 

The JAS39 E/F records RCS of all other aircrafts that they engage and shares it constantly with the rest of the squadron. It is also stored in the aircraft memory among the other RCS received for future use.

 

Also, AFAIK, JAS39 is the only modern fighter jet that doesn't have to rely on an AWAC to guide it to its targets. The whole squadron interlinks and shares the sensor data.

Looks like China will have a new toy to tear down and copy..

6 minutes ago, Gknrd said:

Looks like China will have a new toy to tear down and copy..

If that happens then it will be the last of any military aircraft sold to th from the West.

6 hours ago, AgMech Cowboy said:

Why would you say such a thing?  That's crazy talk.

 

No, not crazy at all. IMO it would be great to have such weapons in Cambodia to destroy enemy aircraft to prevent them from dropping cluster bombs, for example,  on innocent Khmer civilians!

As expected this thread quickly spiral to anti Trump and hateful rhetoric of America.

The vitriol against Trump esp. from the same suspects is on another level, unhealthy level at that! They just can't help themselves.

You would think Trump took their lunch money and slept with their significant other the way they're going about him anytime America is brought up. 

The worst offenders on this matter are probably American citizens. If you dislike America and the current administration so much then by all means stay overseas and bitch from afar!

I have more bad news for you guys, after Trump steps down Vance or another pro America candidate will be running our great country. 

 

I give credit to posters who stay on topic regarding the purchase of the Gripens and how it suits the Thai air force and such.

Leave politics out and just have a sensible discussion on the topic. I'm sure most posters on this forum would appreciate it.

 

 

On 8/22/2025 at 2:09 AM, hotchilli said:

At least from Sweden you get what you ordered and paid for

 

That's bacause Sweden dorsn;t own Thaiiland Which Cina  thinks they they do.

Just now, watchcat said:

 

That's bacause Sweden dorsn;t own Thaiiland Which Cina  thinks they they do.

China doesn't think it does, it knows it does.