Gripen E. Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

 

In a strategic move set to boost its aerial capabilities, Thailand has secured a deal with Sweden for four state-of-the-art Gripen fighter jets from Saab.

 

Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) chief Mikael Granholm called this agreement “a significant development for Swedish warplane progress.”

 

This transaction includes three advanced Gripen E jets and a single Gripen F, with accompanying support, training, and equipment.

 

The hefty contract, valued at approximately 18 billion baht, signifies a commitment to enhanced defence cooperation between Thailand and Sweden, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Saab has confirmed that deliveries will roll out over a five-year span from 2025 to 2030. This acquisition bolsters Thailand's existing fighter fleet, complementing their current squadron of Gripen C/D models.

 

The deal illustrates a growing trend towards military partnerships and technological advancements in Southeast Asia, reflecting a broader regional focus on modernisation. 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-26

 

Probably they would like to try their "effectiveness" sooner or later.

Suspect they chose wisely here, The US offerings not what they used to be, and extremely expensive to maintain..

14 minutes ago, yankyoakum said:

Suspect they chose wisely here, The US offerings not what they used to be, and extremely expensive to maintain..

Are you really implying that the Thai people lack the capability to maintain a fifth-generation fighter and have been forced to settle for a fourth-generation one? Such a perspective seems steeped in white supremacy.

Four? I'm surprised that the manufacturer is even willing to entertain such a tiny little order.

44 minutes ago, Caldera said:

Four? I'm surprised that the manufacturer is even willing to entertain such a tiny little order.

These are the first four out of total of 12.

1 hour ago, Caldera said:

Four? I'm surprised that the manufacturer is even willing to entertain such a tiny little order.

It could be a leftover from a production line or that another buyer decided to buy less and they had spare to sell.

27 minutes ago, ezzra said:

It could be a leftover from a production line or that another buyer decided to buy less and they had spare to sell.

Total contract is for 12 over ten year period. These are the latest JAS39 E/F.

https://www.reuters.com/en/thailand-buy-4-more-swedish-gripen-fighter-jets-air-force-says-2025-06-04/

7 hours ago, ezzra said:

It could be a leftover from a production line or that another buyer decided to buy less and they had spare to sell.

They are new production. The E has only just entered Swedish service so there are NO "Spare" leftovers

Excellent choice. Far better then getting stuck with US Made F35 jets that are far to costly and not any better then other cheaper jets Made by France or Sweden or the Eurofighter. 

1 minute ago, Middle Aged Grouch said:

Excellent choice. Far better then getting stuck with US Made F35 jets that are far to costly and not any better then other cheaper jets Made by France or Sweden or the Eurofighter. 

Thailand did not need the F-35.