Thai Cabinet Greenlights Gripen Fighter Jet Deal

BANGKOK, Aug 6 (TNA) – The Thai Cabinet has approved the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) plan to proceed with the purchase of four new Gripen fighter jets, according to the Air Force Chief.

Air Chief Marshal Phanphakdee Pattanakul, commander-in-chief of the RTAF, confirmed that the Cabinet has approved Phase 1 of the Gripen E/F fighter jet procurement project, which includes four aircraft at a total cost of 19.5 billion baht.

He said he has been tasked with representing the government to sign the purchase agreement with the Swedish company Saab on August 25.

Air Chief Marshal Phanphakdee stated that the procurement process followed standard government procedures, and that the government understands the necessity for national security.

He noted that during the past Thai-Cambodian border conflicts, both the RTAF’s F-16 and Gripen fighter jets were deployed to attack strategic targets in areas like Phu Makuea and Ta Muen Thom Temple. This marked the first time these aircraft were used in combat and fired live weapons in their history. – 819 (TNA)