Sweden has signed a deal to deliver four Gripen fighters to Thailand, strengthening RTAF modernisation efforts and boosting Saab’s shares by 3 per cent.
Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) announced on Monday, 25 August, that a contract had been signed for four Gripen jets built by Saab. FMV Director-General Mikael Granholm said the agreement “strengthens long-term development opportunities for Swedish combat aircraft.”
Saab said that the deal is worth SEK 5.3 billion ($556 million) and comprises three Gripen E and one Gripen F aircraft, as well as training, support, and equipment. It is planned that deliveries would happen between 2025 and 2030.
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), which already has a fleet of Gripen C/D jets, picked Sweden again to help with its fighter modernisation program. The Thai government accepted the first four Gripens earlier this month as part of a larger strategy to replace old platforms and improve the country's air defence.
The new contract also features an offset and technology transfer package designed to channel Swedish defence know-how into Thailand while stimulating investment in local industries. Saab confirmed that the first phase aims to integrate the new fighters into RTAF combat-ready squadrons by 2029, with up to 12 aircraft expected by 2035.
Currently, the RTAF flies 12 Gripen C/Ds—eight single-seat C and four twin-seat D variants—at Surat Thani’s 7th Squadron. These were delivered between 2011 and 2013, marking Thailand’s transition from US-built aircraft to Swedish platforms.
