Thai Air Force wants Swedish Gripen 39 fighter jets

The Thai Air Force has announced that it plans to purchase a Swedish JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter jet, manufactured by Swedish company SAAB, to replace its aging fleet of fighter jets. resolution It comes after a 10-month evaluation period during which the Air Force studied all options before deciding whether the Gripen met the requirements of the Army’s doctrine and strategy.

The air force had initially considered the US-made Gripen and Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets. However, the air force has now decided to go with the Swedish option. This still needs approval from the Thai cabinet. Although no contract has yet been signed, a SAAB spokesman confirmed that the Thai air force has expressed interest in purchasing the Gripen.

The Thai Air Force currently operates 11 JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets and dozens of American F-16 and F-5 fighter jets. Some of these aircraft have been in service since the late 1980s.

The air force has a long-term plan to buy a total of 12 new fighter jets by fiscal 2034 to replace its aging fleet. The air force previously requested a budget of 19 billion baht ($560 million) for fiscal 2025 to buy four unspecified new fighter jets between 2025 and 2029. The request already passed its first reading in June, with the second and third readings now due early next month.

Main fast food

• The Thai Air Force has announced plans to purchase Swedish JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter jets.
• The decision comes after a 10-month evaluation period during which the Air Force studied all options before deciding that the Gripen meets the requirements of military doctrine and strategy.
• The Air Force currently operates dozens of American F-16 and F-5 aircraft, some of which have been in service since the late 1980s.

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