(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has reportedly decided to select the JAS39 Gripen fighter jet, developed by the Swedish company Saab Group, over the F-16 Block 70 offered by the United States.
This decision was revealed by sources to Thailand’s leading newspaper, the Bangkok Post.
According to the newspaper, RTAF Commander ACM Phanphakdee Phattanakul presented detailed comparisons of the JAS39 Gripen E/F and F-16 Block 70 fighter jets to Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for a final decision.
The RTAF commander recommended that the Thai government opt for the Swedish-made fighter jet over the American alternative.
On Wednesday, ACM Phanphakdee and senior RTAF officials attended a parliamentary session to propose the budget for Thailand’s military branches, as the fiscal year 2025 budget is set to begin on October 1.
When asked by reporters, ACM Phanphakdee mentioned that discussions with the Defense Minister regarding the necessity of acquiring new fighter jets for the RTAF had taken place.
He noted that the Defense Minister would forward the RTAF’s proposal to the Prime Minister.
“The Royal Thai Air Force has not yet made a final decision on its choice of fighter jet,” ACM Phanphakdee stated when questioned by journalists.
Currently, the RTAF operates around 50 F-16 fighter jets and 11 JAS39 Gripen fighters.
Last month, Saab invited Thai media to its facilities in Sweden to provide a closer look at their advanced technologies, as reported by the Bangkok Post.
The Thai media delegation also toured the manufacturing facilities for the Gripen E/F fighters, the latest variant offered to the RTAF.
Indications that Thailand might choose the Gripen have been apparent for several months but have become more evident recently.
In early May, ACM Phanphakdee and senior officials visited Sweden for further discussions with Saab’s senior management.
Later in May, Wiroj Lakkhanadisorn, Chairman of the Thai Parliamentary Committee on Armed Forces, also visited Sweden for similar discussions.
Robert Bjorklund, Director of the Gripen Thailand Campaign, was quoted by the Bangkok Post stating that Saab offers Thailand a networked sensor fusion system and three advanced radar types: the Raven ES-05-AESA, Skyward G-IRST, and Mode 5-IFF.
He added that the Gripen E/F jets offered to Thailand are compatible with the Link-16 data link system and the RTAF’s own Link-TH system.
The competition between the F-16 Block 70 and the Gripen-E was confirmed by ACM Phanphakdee.
“Since it is nearly impossible to purchase the F-35 fighter jets as initially planned, the choice has been narrowed down to the Gripen-E and F-16 Block 70,” he said.
He further explained that of the RTAF’s current seven squadrons, the fighter jets of three squadrons would be retired due to age and obsolescence.
Each squadron consists of 12 fighter jets, and the new aircraft will replace the decommissioned ones.
Thailand’s acquisition of new fighter jets will begin in October next year, starting with the procurement of four initial aircraft, followed by additional units. – DSA