Sweden and Thailand have finalized an agreement for Bangkok to purchase four Gripen E/F fighter jets from Swedish defense firm Saab, valued at approximately 5.3 billion Swedish kroner ($550 million USD).
Deal Includes Aircraft, Support, and Training
The contract, announced today in Stockholm, includes three Gripen E and one Gripen F aircraft, along with associated equipment, support, and training. Deliveries are scheduled between 2025 and 2030.
Technology Transfer and Economic Cooperation
In addition to the fighter jets, Saab has signed a separate agreement with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to deliver a „comprehensive offset package, featuring significant technology transfers, industrial cooperation, and new investments across multiple sectors of Thailand’s economy.”
Strengthening Ties Between Sweden and Thailand
„Warmly, congratulations on acquiring this capability, and thank you for choosing also to deepen the cooperation between Sweden and Thailand. It means a lot to us,” Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson said at the signing ceremony.
Replacing Aging F-16s
The Gripens will be acquired under the Peace Burapha program, replacing American-made F-16A/B Block 15 ADFs of 102 Squadron based at Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima). Thailand plans to replace all of its F-16s by 2035.
Combat Deployment and Regulatory Review
The order was reviewed following Thailand’s reported use of Gripen C/D jets in a July 2025 border conflict with Cambodia. This prompted a Swedish government examination due to Sweden’s strict arms export regulations. However, Sweden’s recent NATO membership has led to a review of these regulations.
Saab’s Longstanding Presence in Thailand
Thailand also operates Saab’s Erieye airborne surveillance systems, and the company has been active in Thailand since the mid-1980s. „Thailand is already a well-established Gripen user and familiar with the strengths that Gripen brings to the Royal Thai Armed Forces,” Saab CEO Micael Johansson said.
Growing International Interest in Gripen Fighter Jets
Besides Thailand, the air forces of Sweden, South Africa, Brazil, Hungary, and the Czech Republic operate the Gripen. Additionally, Colombia, Peru and Canada are evaluating the advanced E/F model for potential acquisition, signaling growing international interest in Saab’s multi-role fighter.
