The Royal Thai Air Force has selected Sweden’s Saab Gripen E/F as its next-generation multirole fighter, a decision that signals Thailand’s intent to bolster its air capabilities amid rising tensions in Southeast Asia.
According to a press release issued by Saab on June 4, 2025, the Royal Thai Air Force’s choice marks a significant step in modernizing its fleet, though no contract has been signed nor an order placed.
This move positions Thailand to enhance its national security while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, where regional powers like China and neighboring countries are rapidly upgrading their military arsenals.
The decision, announced by Saab, underscores Thailand’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a delicate balance between global powers while reinforcing its strategic autonomy in a region fraught with maritime disputes and growing military competition.
The Gripen E/F, an advanced iteration of the Gripen C/D already in service with Thailand since 2011, is designed to offer cutting-edge technology at a fraction of the cost of heavier Western fighters. Saab’s offer also includes a long-term offset package, which promises economic benefits like job creation and investments across various sectors of Thai society.
While specifics of the deal remain under wraps, the announcement has sparked interest in how Thailand’s choice of a Swedish fighter over American, Chinese, or other alternatives reflects its broader strategic priorities.
“We welcome the Royal Thai Air Force’s selection of Gripen E/F as their future fighter and look forward to the next steps in this procurement process,” said Mikael Johansson, president and CEO of Saab, in the company’s statement.
The decision comes at a time when Southeast Asia is witnessing an arms race, with nations like Singapore acquiring F-35s and Indonesia opting for French Rafales, highlighting the region’s growing focus on advanced airpower.
The Gripen E/F stands out for its blend of advanced technology and cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive choice for nations like Thailand with mid-sized air forces. Built by Saab, a Swedish aerospace company with a long history of producing versatile aircraft, the Gripen E/F is a single-engine, multirole fighter capable of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions.
Its active electronically scanned array [AESA] radar, the Raven ES-05, provides superior target detection and tracking, allowing it to engage threats at long ranges. The aircraft’s advanced electronic warfare suite enhances its survivability in contested environments, while its network-centric capabilities enable seamless integration with other assets, such as ground-based air defenses and surveillance systems.
With a maximum takeoff weight of around 36,400 pounds and a top speed of Mach 2, the Gripen E/F is agile and adaptable, designed to operate from austere airfields—a critical feature for Thailand’s diverse terrain, which includes dense jungles and coastal regions.
Compared to its predecessor, the Gripen C/D, which Thailand has operated for over a decade, the E/F model offers significant upgrades. The new variant boasts a more powerful General Electric F414 engine, increasing thrust by nearly 20% and enabling a greater payload capacity of up to 13,200 pounds of munitions, including precision-guided bombs and long-range missiles like the Meteor.
Its open-architecture design allows for easier integration of new technologies, ensuring the aircraft remains relevant for decades. The Gripen E/F’s operational cost, estimated at around $4,000 per flight hour, is notably lower than competitors like the Lockheed Martin F-16V [$8,000 per hour] or the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet [$12,000 per hour], according to data from defense publications like Jane’s Defence Weekly.
This cost-efficiency aligns with Thailand’s need to maintain a capable air force without straining its defense budget, which in 2024 was approximately $7 billion, a modest figure compared to regional heavyweights like China.
Thailand’s decision to stick with Saab’s platform builds on its experience with the Gripen C/D, which has proven reliable in regional exercises and border patrols. Since 2011, the Royal Thai Air Force has operated 12 Gripen C/Ds, primarily stationed at Surat Thani Air Base, where they have been used for air defense and maritime surveillance.
The aircraft’s performance in tropical climates and its ability to operate from short runways have made it a good fit for Thailand’s operational needs. The transition to the Gripen E/F represents a natural evolution, allowing pilots and ground crews to leverage existing expertise while gaining access to a more capable platform.
Unlike heavier fighters like the F-35, which Singapore has adopted, the Gripen E/F does not require extensive infrastructure upgrades, making it a practical choice for Thailand’s airfields, some of which are located in remote areas.
The selection of Gripen E/F over other contenders, such as the American F-16V or the Chinese-Pakistani JF-17 Thunder, reflects a strategic calculus rooted in Thailand’s unique geopolitical position. Located at the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand has historically pursued a non-aligned foreign policy, balancing relations with the United States, China, and other powers.
Choosing a Swedish fighter avoids the political baggage that might come with aligning too closely with Washington or Beijing. The F-16V, while a proven platform with advanced avionics and a robust supply chain, would tie Thailand more closely to the U.S., potentially complicating its relations with China.
The JF-17, a cheaper alternative co-developed by China and Pakistan, lacks the technological edge of Western fighters and could signal a shift toward Beijing, which Thailand has avoided.
By opting for the Gripen, Thailand maintains its neutrality while acquiring a fighter that can hold its own in regional contingencies, such as defending its airspace or monitoring disputed areas in the Gulf of Thailand.
The geopolitical context of this decision cannot be overstated. Southeast Asia is a hotspot for military modernization, driven by territorial disputes in the South China Sea and China’s growing assertiveness. Beijing’s deployment of advanced fighters like the J-20, a stealth aircraft with superior range and payload, has prompted neighbors to bolster their air forces.
Indonesia, for instance, signed a $13.9 billion deal for 42 Rafale fighters from France in 2022, while Malaysia has opted for South Korea’s FA-50 light combat aircraft. Singapore’s acquisition of the F-35B, a stealth fighter capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings, underscores the region’s shift toward fifth-generation platforms.
Thailand’s choice of the Gripen E/F, a 4.5-generation fighter, positions it as a middle ground—capable enough to deter aggression but not so advanced as to escalate tensions unnecessarily. The aircraft’s ability to integrate with NATO-standard systems also ensures interoperability with allies like the U.S. during joint exercises, such as Cobra Gold, one of the largest multilateral drills in the region.
Saab’s offer includes more than just aircraft. The company has promised a comprehensive offset package, which could bring significant economic benefits to Thailand. Such packages typically involve investments in local industries, technology transfers, or job creation, though Saab has not yet disclosed specifics.
Similar deals, like Saab’s 2014 agreement with Brazil for 36 Gripen E fighters, included provisions for local production and maintenance, creating thousands of jobs and boosting Brazil’s aerospace sector. Thailand could see comparable benefits, potentially in areas like avionics manufacturing or pilot training programs.
However, the lack of clarity on the offset package raises questions about its tangible impact. Past deals, such as India’s troubled offset agreement with Dassault for Rafale fighters, have faced criticism for failing to deliver promised economic gains, a point worth considering as negotiations progress.
The road ahead for Thailand’s Gripen acquisition is not without hurdles. Saab’s press release emphasizes that no contract has been signed, and the procurement process involves the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration [FMV], which oversees export deals. Budget constraints could pose a challenge, as Thailand’s defense spending is modest compared to its neighbors.
Political considerations, both domestic and international, may also delay the deal. For instance, Thailand’s military junta, which has governed intermittently since 2014, faces pressure to justify large-scale defense purchases amid economic recovery efforts post-COVID.
Additionally, regional dynamics could influence the timeline. If tensions in the South China Sea escalate, Thailand may prioritize rapid acquisition, but bureaucratic delays are common in such deals, as seen in Slovakia’s protracted negotiations for Gripen C/Ds in the early 2010s.
Thailand’s history with the Gripen offers a glimpse into its operational philosophy. Since acquiring its first batch of Gripen C/Ds in 2011, the Royal Thai Air Force has integrated the aircraft into its air defense strategy, particularly along its borders with Myanmar and Cambodia.
The Gripens have been deployed in exercises like Pitch Black in Australia, where they demonstrated their agility and compatibility with Western air forces. The aircraft’s data-link system, which allows real-time sharing of battlefield information, has been praised by Thai pilots for enhancing situational awareness.
The transition to the Gripen E/F will likely build on this foundation, with upgrades like improved sensors and longer-range weapons enhancing Thailand’s ability to monitor its airspace and maritime borders.
Still, the Gripen E/F’s lighter frame and single-engine design raise questions about its ability to counter heavier platforms like China’s J-20 in a high-intensity conflict, where stealth and endurance could prove decisive.
The choice of Gripen E/F also reflects Sweden’s growing role as a defense partner in Asia. Unlike major powers with clear geopolitical agendas, Sweden offers advanced technology without strings attached to American or Chinese systems.
Saab’s track record with other nations, such as the Czech Republic and Hungary, which lease Gripen C/Ds, demonstrates its ability to tailor solutions to smaller air forces.
Thailand’s decision to double down on the Gripen platform makes it the first Asian nation to adopt the E/F variant, potentially paving the way for other regional players to consider Saab’s offerings. The Philippines, for instance, has reportedly explored the Gripen as part of its own modernization efforts, though no deal has been confirmed.
As Thailand moves forward with the Gripen E/F, the decision carries implications beyond its borders. The aircraft’s interoperability with NATO systems could strengthen Thailand’s role in regional security frameworks, particularly in joint exercises with the U.S. and its allies.
At the same time, the choice of a non-American platform underscores Thailand’s desire to avoid over-reliance on any single power. This balancing act is critical in a region where China’s military buildup, including its deployment of advanced fighters and naval assets, has raised concerns among smaller nations.
The Gripen E/F’s ability to carry modern weapons like the Meteor missile, which outranges many Chinese equivalents, gives Thailand a credible deterrent, though its overall effectiveness will depend on integration with radar networks and other assets.
The offset package promised by Saab could also reshape Thailand’s defense industry. If structured effectively, it could lead to partnerships with local firms, creating jobs and fostering technological expertise.
For a country with a growing aerospace sector, this could be a game-changer, though the devil lies in the details. Without transparency on the scope of the offsets, there’s a risk that the economic benefits may fall short of expectations, as seen in other high-profile defense deals.
Saab’s experience with Brazil, where it established a local production line for Gripen E, offers a potential model, but Thailand’s smaller industrial base may limit the scale of such initiatives.
Looking ahead, the success of Thailand’s Gripen acquisition hinges on several factors. The procurement process, managed by FMV and Thai authorities, must navigate budgetary and political challenges.
The Royal Thai Air Force will also need to invest in training and infrastructure to fully integrate the Gripen E/F, which, while less demanding than heavier fighters, still requires robust logistics. Regional dynamics will play a role too. If tensions in the South China Sea intensify, Thailand may face pressure to accelerate the deal, but delays could undermine its modernization goals.
The experience of other nations, like Brazil, which faced years of negotiations before finalizing its Gripen contract, serves as a reminder that such deals are rarely straightforward.
From a broader perspective, Thailand’s selection of the Gripen E/F is a calculated move to strengthen its air force while preserving its strategic flexibility. The aircraft’s advanced capabilities, combined with its affordability, make it a pragmatic choice for a nation seeking to modernize without breaking the bank.
Yet, the absence of a signed contract and the uncertainty surrounding the offset package leave room for skepticism. Can Thailand leverage this acquisition to assert itself in a region dominated by larger powers?
The answer depends on how effectively it integrates the Gripen E/F into its defense strategy and navigates the complex geopolitical currents of Southeast Asia. For now, the Royal Thai Air Force’s decision marks a bold step toward a more capable future, but the path to delivery remains uncertain.
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