Thailand Bets on the Gripen: A Bold Strategic Choice Against American Proposals

The Royal Thai Air Force has recently confirmed its intention to acquire Swedish JAS-39 Gripen E/F fighter jets, a decision that could shift the balance of air power in Southeast Asia. This choice marks a major turning point, sidelining Lockheed-Martin’s F-16 “Viper”, despite attractive financial offers from the United States.

The Gripen E/F: A Next-Generation Swedish Fighter

The JAS-39 Gripen E/F, produced by Swedish manufacturer Saab, is a next-generation combat aircraft that combines power, agility, and advanced technologies. Equipped with the F414G engine from General Electric, it can reach speeds of Mach 2 and operate at altitudes of up to 16,000 meters. It is capable of carrying a wide range of armaments, including Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles, IRIS-T short-range missiles, and up to eight GBU-39 SDB bombs. The aircraft also features an AESA ES-05 Raven radar, which offers extended detection ranges and multi-target tracking capabilities, an IRST Skyward-G infrared search and track system, and a Targo II helmet-mounted display, allowing direct interaction with the weapons system and enhancing air superiority.

In addition to its offensive capabilities, the Gripen E/F incorporates an advanced electronic warfare suite and Link 16, a secure communication system that enables real-time information sharing with other units. These features make the Gripen E/F a formidable and versatile aircraft, well-suited to modern aerial warfare requirements.

In summary :

• Thailand plans to acquire JAS-39 Gripen E/F to modernize its air fleet.
• The Gripen E/F offers advanced technologies, including AESA radars and long-range missiles.
• The choice of the Gripen was made against the F-16 Viper from Lockheed-Martin, despite favorable financial terms from the United States.
• The decision is based on strategic compensations, such as technology transfers and training.
• The acquisition still needs political approval from the next Thai government.

Fierce Competition from the U.S.

Thailand’s decision was not without challenges. Competing against it, the F-16 “Viper” from Lockheed-Martin was a strong contender, supported by an aggressive financial offer: a loan with a reduced interest rate of 3.5% and relaxed repayment terms, making it a difficult proposition to ignore. Lockheed-Martin highlighted the compatibility of the F-16 Viper with Thailand’s existing F-16 fleet, assuring that this model would provide the necessary capabilities and security performance to meet the country’s most urgent defense needs.

However, despite the American efforts, the selection committee of the Royal Thai Air Force chose the Gripen E/F, based on strategic compensations such as technology transfers and training, crucial elements for the long-term development of Thailand’s defense capabilities.

A Choice Still Pending Political Approval

The decision to select the Gripen E/F, although confirmed by military officials, still needs to go through the political process. Approval from the next Thai Minister of Defense is required, and the newly elected government led by Paethongtarn Shinawatra has yet to form a full cabinet. For now, Thailand plans to start by purchasing four new aircraft, with an initial budget of 19 billion baht (approximately 500 million euros) for the 2025 fiscal year, with the possibility of expanding the order to twelve units.

Currently, the Royal Thai Air Force operates thirty-three F-5 Tiger II and around fifty F-16 A/B aircraft, acquired in the 1980s and 1990s. In 2007, Thailand also acquired twelve Gripen C/D, eleven of which have recently been upgraded to the MS20 standard, enhancing their compatibility with the two Saab 340 “ERIEYE” early warning aircraft delivered in 2012.

This potential acquisition of the Gripen E/F by Thailand demonstrates Saab’s ability to establish itself in the Asian market, despite a challenging start on the international scene. For Bangkok, it is not only about renewing its air fleet but also sending a strong signal to international partners: Thailand is ready to diversify its strategic and technological alliances in a world where the defense landscape is continuously evolving.