Thailand has announced that it is pre-qualifying the Swedish JAS-39E/F Gripen as its new fighter jet. This is not the final decision. The country’s Air Force chose the Swedish aircraft, and the country’s government will now make the final decision. In recent months, the Royal Thai Air Force has been evaluating the JAS-39E/F Gripen and the US F-16 Viper, intending to replace the F-16A/B of the 102nd Fighter Wing’s 1st Fighter Wing.
The requirement concerns the supply of 12-14 aircraft from 2025 to 2034. In addition to the aircraft, the supply will include weapons, materials, support and training services, and the creation of infrastructure. However, the program’s initial budget (about $539 million) allows for purchasing about four aircraft, with new purchases later. Thailand is familiar with the Swedish product family. The country wanted to replace part of its F-5 Tiger II fleet by ordering six JAS 39 Gripen in 2007.
The decision was followed in 2010 by six other aircraft. Royal Thai Air Force first wanted to acquire various aircraft, including the JAS-39 and F-35A. Thailand has started to follow pro-Chinese politics. The U.S. has therefore rejected the F-35 request and proposed the F-16V or F-15EX.
