Thailand to Test Gripen E/F’s Highway Takeoff and Landing Before Final Decision

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Recently, the Thai Ministry of Defence has announced its plans to procure the JAS39 Gripen E/F fighter jets from Sweden’s Saab Group.

However, before finalizing the acquisition mid-year, Thailand will conduct a critical test of the Swedish-made fighter jets.

This test, a first for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), will assess the Gripen E/F’s ability to take off and land on a highway, according to Thai media sources.

Scheduled for mid-next month, the trial will require the Gripen jets to execute takeoff and landing maneuvers on an 800-meter stretch of highway.

The test aims to verify Saab’s claims that the Gripen can operate from highways if airbases are destroyed in conflict.

Reports indicate that the Swedish Air Force has already demonstrated the Gripen’s capability to operate on shorter highway stretches of 400–500 meters.

Nevertheless, the RTAF intends to independently validate these capabilities.

Demonstrating the Gripen fighter jet’s capability to take off and land on highways will officially reaffirm the Royal Thai Air Force’s decision to select the Gripen over the F-16 Block 70 manufactured by the American company Lockheed Martin.

Recently, Thailand’s Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai endorsed the RTAF’s decision to pursue the Swedish-made Gripen jets, stating their alignment with the country’s operational needs.

The RTAF plans to add another squadron of Gripen jets to its existing fleet of 11, complementing its fleet of approximately 50 F-16s.

“The RTAF currently operates two types of fighter jets, the Gripen and the F-16, both of which effectively safeguard the nation’s sovereignty,” Phumtham said, as quoted by the Bangkok Post.

“As the RTAF seeks to acquire another squadron, I trust their judgment in selecting the most suitable model for national defense.”

Phumtham emphasized his support for the Gripen purchase, provided it remains within budget and includes technology transfer agreements. The procurement process is expected to conclude by year-end.

The Gripen E/F boasts state-of-the-art technology, including advanced avionics, AESA radar systems, and tactical data link compatibility.

According to Robert Bjorklund, Saab’s Gripen campaign director for Thailand, the aircraft is equipped with the Raven ES-05 AESA radar, Skyward G-IRST infrared search-and-track system, and Mode 5-IFF identification friend or foe technology.

The Gripen E/F is also compatible with Thailand’s indigenous Link-TH data link system and NATO’s Link-16.

• Technical Specifications of the JAS 39 Gripen-E

• General:

  Manufacturer: Saab AB (Sweden)

  Type: Multirole fighter (Generation 4.5)

• Dimensions:

  Length: 15.2 m | Wingspan: 8.6 m | Height: 4.5 m

  Empty Weight: 8,000 kg | Max Takeoff Weight: 16,500 kg

• Performance:

  Engine: General Electric F414G turbofan with afterburner

  Max Speed: Mach 2 (2,400 km/h) | Range: 1,500 km

  Service Ceiling: 16,000 m | Climb Rate: 254 m/s

• Armament:

  Mauser BK-27 cannon, multiple hardpoints for missiles, bombs, and rockets

  Supported munitions include AIM-120 AMRAAM, Meteor BVRAAM, and JDAM smart bombs.

• Operational Features:

  Short/rough runway capability, in-flight refueling, advanced EW systems, and full glass cockpit.

Designed for efficiency, flexibility, and advanced operational capabilities, the Gripen E/F is poised to enhance Thailand’s air defense.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA