RTAF to buy 12 Gripen jets for B60bn

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has confirmed its decision to purchase 12 Saab Gripen E and F fighter jets from Sweden, in a procurement project worth 60 billion baht, with the first delivery expected by 2029.

- POST REPORTERS

RTAF commander ACM Punpakdee Pattanakul announced yesterday that Thailand will procure 12 Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets — models E and Ffrom Sweden to replace its ageing F-16 fleet, which is due to be gradually retired between 2028 and 2035 after 37 years of service.

Without a replacement, the ageing fleet would compromise the country's air defence readiness, prompting the air force to move forward with a new fighter procurement project, ACM Punpakdee said.

After evaluating 20 potential aircraft models, the air force concluded that the Swedish-made Saab Gripen E and F best met its operational and strategic requirements, he said, adding the total value of the procurement is estimated at 60 billion baht.