Thailand’s Defence Ministry Backs Selection of JAS39 Gripen Over F-16

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Thai Ministry of Defence has expressed full support for the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) decision to procure the Swedish-made JAS39 Gripen fighter jets over the American-made F-16.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that the RTAF aims to acquire an additional squadron of Gripen fighter jets to complement its existing fleet of 11 Gripen aircraft.

“The Royal Thai Air Force currently operates two types of fighter jets—the Gripen and the F-16. Both are capable of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.

“Since the RTAF intends to procure another squadron, I am entrusting the Air Force to select the model they deem most suitable for national defense as they are best positioned to assess operational needs,” Phumtham was quoted by the Bangkok Post.

He further mentioned that discussions with Gripen pilots revealed that the aircraft’s performance and capabilities are comparable to those of the F-16.

The Defence Minister expressed full confidence in the RTAF’s decision to opt for the Swedish-made fighter over its American counterpart.

“I will approve the purchase of the Gripen fighter jets for the Royal Thai Air Force provided the cost does not exceed our budget and includes a technology transfer,” he said.

Thailand’s decision to acquire a new squadron had been delayed for several years due to defense budget cuts resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Previously, the United States had offered Thailand a low-interest loan to facilitate the purchase of F-16 fighter jets manufactured by its defense contractor, Lockheed Martin.

However, the Defence Minister disclosed that he had informed the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand that the Southeast Asian nation does not have a policy that allows it to incur debt for purchasing fighter jets.

In July last year, reports indicated that the RTAF had already decided to choose the Swedish-made JAS39 Gripen, developed by Saab Group, over the U.S.-offered F-16 Block 70.

RTAF Commander-in-Chief ACM Phanphakdee Phattanakul had reportedly presented detailed evaluations of both the JAS39 Gripen E/F and the F-16 Block 70 to then-Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for final consideration.

The Air Force Chief had recommended that the government opt for the Swedish aircraft over the American fighter jet.

Currently, the RTAF operates approximately 50 F-16 fighter jets and 11 JAS39 Gripen aircraft.

Previously, Robert Bjorklund, head of the Gripen Thailand campaign, was quoted in a leading Thai newspaper as saying that Saab offered Thailand advanced networked sensor fusion systems and three sophisticated radar types for the Gripen E/F.

The advanced radar systems proposed for Thailand’s Gripen E/F fleet include the Raven ES-05 AESA, Skyward G-IRST, and Mode 5-IFF.

Regarding data link systems, Bjorklund stated that the Gripen E/F offered to Thailand is fully compatible with the Link-16 tactical data link as well as the Link-TH, a data link system developed by the RTAF.

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Technical Specifications of JAS 39 Gripen-E

1. General:

• Manufacturer: Saab AB (Sweden)

• Type: Multirole Fighter Aircraft

• Generation: 4.5

2. Dimensions:

• Length: 15.2 meters

• Wingspan: 8.6 meters

• Height: 4.5 meters

• Empty Weight: 8,000 kg

• Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 16,500 kg

3. Performance:

• Engine: 1 × General Electric F414G turbofan with afterburner

• Thrust: 22,000 lbf (98 kN)

• Maximum Speed: Mach 2 (over 2,400 km/h)

• Combat Range: 1,500 km (without aerial refueling)

• Ferry Range: 4,000 km

• Service Ceiling: 16,000 meters (52,000 feet)

• Rate of Climb: 254 m/s

4. Avionics and Systems:

• Radar: AESA Raven ES-05 (Active Electronically Scanned Array)

• Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite: Infrared and radar threat warning, electronic countermeasures, and countermeasure dispensers

• Cockpit: Fully digital glass cockpit with touchscreen displays, Head-Up Display (HUD), and Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD)

5. Armament:

• Cannon: 1 × 27mm Mauser BK-27 automatic cannon

• Hardpoints: 10 for a variety of weapons and pods

• Air-to-Air Missiles:

  • AIM-9 Sidewinder

  • IRIS-T

  • AIM-120 AMRAAM

  • Meteor BVRAAM

• Air-to-Ground Missiles:

  • AGM-65 Maverick

  • KEPD 350 Taurus

• Bombs:

  • GBU-12 Paveway II (laser-guided bombs)

  • JDAM (smart bombs)

• Rockets: Various unguided rocket types

6. Additional Capabilities:

• Aerial Refueling: Supported (probe and drogue)

• Data Link: Compatible with Link 16 and RTAF’s indigenous Link-TH

• Short and Unprepared Runway Operations: Capable

The Gripen-E is designed to be an advanced, cost-effective, and versatile combat aircraft capable of handling various aerial missions. – DSA