Thailand signs Bt19.5bn deal for Gripen jets, first delivery in 2029

Thailand and Sweden signed an agreement on Monday, under which the Thai Air Force will procure four Swedish-made Saab Gripen E/F fighter jets, at a total cost of Bt19.5 billion.

The Thai Air Force has a plan to procure a fleet of 12 such aircraft, to replace is aging American-made F-16 fighters, which have been in service over 37 years.

The agreement was signed in Sweden by Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, commander-in-chief, and Mikael Granholm, CEO of the Swedish Materiel Administration (FMV), a unit of the Swedish government responsible for the procurement of weaponry for the Swedish military.

Another agreement was also signed between the Thai Air Force and SAAB AB, the Swedish aircraft’s manufacturer.

“We welcome Thailand as the latest customer for Gripen E/F. Thailand is already a well-established Gripen user and is familiar with the strengths that Gripen brings to the RTAF.

Thailand has chosen the most modern fighter on the market, with which to build its next generation of strategic, independent capabilities,” said Micael Johansson, president and CEO of SAAB AB.

Thailand will take delivery of the first two jets in 2029, with the rest to be delivered at the rate of two per year over the next five years.

Thailand’s foreign minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, who witnessed the signing of the deal, told the media that the procurement will not only strengthen the Thai Air Force’s capabilities, but also marks an important step in the development of the defence industry in Thailand.

The agreement was signed by Mikael Granholm, CEO of the Swedish Materiel Administration (L), and Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, commander-in-chief of the Thai Air Force (R), with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa (standing) as witness.

He said that the government will play the role of facilitator, while the private sector in defence development will be the key player in the transfer of technology and in the future of strengthening defence capabilities.

Maris also noted that the Air Force had demonstrated the combat capabilities of the Gripen fighter jets during the recent five-day armed conflict with Cambodia.