(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Thailand has reportedly acquired Swedish-made JAS39 Gripen E/F fighter jets to bolster its air force’s capabilities in response to the modernization of neighboring Myanmar’s air force.
Myanmar recently received several Su-30 fighter jets from Russia.
In addition to the new Su-30s, Myanmar’s Air Force also operates Russian-made MiG-29 fighters and Chinese-Pakistani-made JF-17 fighter jets.
Thailand is concerned that the escalating civil war in Myanmar might spill over into its territory, particularly in areas near the Thailand-Myanmar border.
In recent months, Myanmar’s fighter jets, particularly MiG-29s, have been detected violating Thai airspace during missions to target and bomb positions held by anti-government fighters in Myanmar.
Analysts note that since 2022, the Myanmar Air Force has intensified airstrikes against anti-government forces in states such as Kachin, Karen, Karenni, Shan, and Chin.
These increased airstrikes aim to demoralize and fracture the unity of the anti-government groups.
The incursions by Myanmar’s Russian-made fighter jets into Thai airspace during bombing missions have forced Bangkok to scramble its own fighters, including F-16s, to the border to confront Myanmar’s air force.
The Thai military has faced criticism for its perceived lack of firm response to these airspace violations.
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) operates around 50 aging F-16 fighter jets and 11 Swedish-made JAS39 Gripen C/D fighters.
This is why it requires the latest JAS39 Gripen E/F variant to counter potential threats along its border with Myanmar, particularly against the combination of Su-30, MiG-29, and JF-17 fighter jets operated by Myanmar’s air force.
In September last year, Myanmar’s Minister of Commerce, Charlie Than, announced that the Southeast Asian nation had received two of the six Su-30SME fighter jets ordered.
The number of Su-30SME jets received by Myanmar has likely increased this year compared to the two delivered last year.
Myanmar and Russia signed a contract in 2018 for the procurement of six Su-30SME fighter jets.
The Sukhoi Su-30SME fighters acquired by Myanmar are a variant of the popular Su-30 “Flanker” jets, also used by several other Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
In 2018, Myanmar also agreed to acquire 16 JF-17 “Thunder” fighters, making it the first export market for the aircraft, which has also been offered to Malaysia.
The JF-17 “Thunder” fighters of the Myanmar Air Force were developed jointly by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC).
Myanmar acquired 12 MiG-29 fighters in 2001.
A few days ago, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) officially announced its selection of the Swedish-made JAS39 Gripen E/F fighter jets from Saab Group as its newest fighter aircraft, surpassing the F-16 Block 70/72 offered by the United States.
The selection of the JAS39 Gripen E/F by the RTAF was personally announced by Air Chief Marshal Phanphakdee Phattanakul in a statement.
The Royal Thai Air Force Selection Committee made the decision after both Sweden and the United States submitted additional information regarding their offers on August 20. – DSA