IRIA News

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Thailand has approved the purchase of four new Swedish-made Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) confirmed on August 4, 2025. This marks a major step in the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its aerial capabilities.

In June, Thai Air Force had announced plans to buy a total of 12 jets over a 10 years.

The $600 million (19.5 billion Thai baht) deal was formally endorsed by Thailand’s cabinet following a tense five-day military confrontation with neighboring Cambodia that left more than 40 people dead and raised regional security concerns. A ceasefire was reached last week.

“The cabinet has approved the purchase of JAS 39 Saab Gripen to strengthen the Royal Thai Air Force and protect Thailand’s sovereignty,” the RTAF stated on its social media.

According to the air force, the new aircraft will supplement Thailand’s current fleet of 11 older Gripen C/D models already in service, based at Surat Thani air base, and will gradually replace aging U.S.-made F-16s delivered in the 1980s.

Ceasefire follows deadly border conflict

The decision comes just days after Thai air forces used F-16s and their existing Gripen jets to conduct airstrikes against Cambodian military positions near the shared border, in what Thai officials described as a defensive operation to protect national sovereignty. The clashes, which began the previous Friday, were the most violent in decades between the two countries and triggered widespread international calls for de-escalation.

Although the newly ordered Gripens were not involved in the recent fighting, the timing of the purchase underlines Thailand’s intent to enhance air superiority capabilities in response to growing regional security challenges.

Procurement process and aircraft selection

Thailand’s procurement committee began deliberations on the next generation of fighter jets in August 2024, conducting a 10-month comparative assessment of competing platforms, including American F-16V fighters. The Gripen E/F variant, equipped with advanced avionics and radar, was selected for its interoperability with existing Thai systems and favorable cost-performance ratio.

The Gripen is designed for multi-role operations and is capable of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions. Saab’s Erieye airborne early warning system, already in service with the RTAF, is also compatible with the Gripen’s mission suite.

Sweden’s role and export considerations

Sweden has maintained a strategic defense partnership with Thailand since the mid-1980s and views the Southeast Asian nation as one of Saab’s key international customers. However, last week’s airstrikes have added scrutiny to the bilateral defense relationship.

Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard has said the government is closely monitoring developments related to the Thai-Cambodia conflict. While Stockholm has not publicly opposed the sale, Swedish export control laws require that the Inspectorate of Strategic Products (ISP) and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs formally approve any military export.

There has been no indication so far that the deal will be blocked. A statement issued by Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs this week emphasized the importance of compliance with international law and urged both sides to seek a peaceful resolution.

Regional defense posture

Thailand’s total defense budget for the current fiscal year is 200 billion baht ($6 billion), with allocations spread across the army, navy, and air force. Analysts view the Gripen deal as part of a broader modernization strategy amid growing competition for air superiority in Southeast Asia.

In addition to Thailand, other Gripen operators include Sweden, Brazil, South Africa, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. Colombia and Peru are also evaluating the Gripen for future acquisition.

The four new aircraft are expected to be delivered within 24 to 36 months, pending final export approvals and production timelines. Training, spare parts, and integrated support systems are included in the overall package.

Strategic implications

Military experts note that the purchase will significantly enhance the RTAF’s ability to respond to border threats, conduct air policing missions, and coordinate with regional allies in multilateral exercises. The decision to favor the Gripen over the latest F-16 variant also reflects a diversification of defense suppliers and long-term planning for technological interoperability.

Despite the recent ceasefire, tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border remain fragile. Thai officials have indicated that defensive measures, including air readiness, will remain in place as talks with Phnom Penh continue.