Breaking News: Thailand approves the procurement of new SAAB Gripen E/F Fighter Jets
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
On August 5, 2025, the Royal Thai Air Force officially announced the future procurement of a new fleet of Saab JAS 39 Gripen E and F multirole fighter jets to modernize its combat aviation capabilities. The Thai government has approved the initial acquisition of four aircraft as part of a long-term plan to replace legacy platforms and strengthen national airspace defense. The first phase will see the integration of next-generation Swedish fighters into the RTAF’s frontline squadrons by 2029, with the complete program aiming for a total of twelve aircraft delivered in stages through 2035. The announcement reflects Thailand’s strategic move toward greater autonomy in air operations and a continued partnership with Saab.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Gripen E/F is a new-generation multirole fighter jet developed by Saab, featuring advanced AESA radar, an IRST sensor, an extended range, superior electronic warfare capabilities, and compatibility with Meteor and precision-guided munitions. Designed for high survivability and networked air combat, it offers enhanced performance over the previous Gripen C/D models. (Picture source: SAAB)
Thailand currently operates a fleet of twelve Saab JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighters, comprising eight single-seat C and four twin-seat D models, based at Wing 7 in Surat Thani. These aircraft were delivered between 2011 and 2013 as part of Thailand’s initial shift from U.S.-sourced fighter jets to Swedish-built platforms. In operational service, the Gripen C/D fleet has become the RTAF’s core multirole combat capability, integrated with two Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft and a network-centric command-and-control infrastructure. The Gripens are regularly deployed for maritime patrols, joint exercises, and rapid air interception duties across Thai airspace and the Gulf of Thailand.
The recent escalation in border tensions with Cambodia has marked a turning point in Thai airpower deployment. On July 26, 2025, RTAF Gripen C fighters conducted precision airstrikes against Cambodian artillery positions in response to repeated cross-border shelling incidents near the disputed Preah Vihear region. This engagement marked the first confirmed combat use of the Gripen in Royal Thai Air Force service and underscored the growing demand for modernized platforms with greater range, electronic warfare capability, and strike precision. The operational effectiveness of the Gripen C/D in the limited conflict scenario played a significant role in accelerating the government’s approval of the new E/F acquisition.
The upcoming Gripen E and F variants represent a significant generational leap over the C/D models currently in service. The Gripen E features a more powerful General Electric F414G engine, offering 20 percent more thrust than the RM12 engine used in the Gripen C. It is equipped with the advanced Raven ES-05 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which provides longer detection ranges and improved tracking of low-RCS targets. The aircraft also integrates the Skyward-G infrared search and track (IRST) system, enhancing passive target acquisition in contested electronic environments. With increased internal fuel capacity, the Gripen E delivers extended range and loiter time, while a newly redesigned avionics architecture based on high-speed Ethernet links enables rapid software updates and future scalability.
The two-seat Gripen F variant is tailored for training, advanced mission coordination, and tactical leadership roles, making it ideal for squadron integration and pilot conversion training. Both variants come equipped with a wide range of precision-guided munitions, including Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, offering superior engagement capability over regional adversaries.
By committing to the Swedish SAAB JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter jet, Thailand reinforces its long-standing defense partnership with Sweden while distancing itself from reliance on U.S. platforms after the unsuccessful bid for the F-35. With deliveries of the first four aircraft expected by 2029 and further batches extending into the next decade, the Royal Thai Air Force is securing the future of its air combat capability through a blend of proven technology, modern architecture, and strategic industrial cooperation with Saab.
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
On August 5, 2025, the Royal Thai Air Force officially announced the future procurement of a new fleet of Saab JAS 39 Gripen E and F multirole fighter jets to modernize its combat aviation capabilities. The Thai government has approved the initial acquisition of four aircraft as part of a long-term plan to replace legacy platforms and strengthen national airspace defense. The first phase will see the integration of next-generation Swedish fighters into the RTAF’s frontline squadrons by 2029, with the complete program aiming for a total of twelve aircraft delivered in stages through 2035. The announcement reflects Thailand’s strategic move toward greater autonomy in air operations and a continued partnership with Saab.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Gripen E/F is a new-generation multirole fighter jet developed by Saab, featuring advanced AESA radar, an IRST sensor, an extended range, superior electronic warfare capabilities, and compatibility with Meteor and precision-guided munitions. Designed for high survivability and networked air combat, it offers enhanced performance over the previous Gripen C/D models. (Picture source: SAAB)
Thailand currently operates a fleet of twelve Saab JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighters, comprising eight single-seat C and four twin-seat D models, based at Wing 7 in Surat Thani. These aircraft were delivered between 2011 and 2013 as part of Thailand’s initial shift from U.S.-sourced fighter jets to Swedish-built platforms. In operational service, the Gripen C/D fleet has become the RTAF’s core multirole combat capability, integrated with two Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft and a network-centric command-and-control infrastructure. The Gripens are regularly deployed for maritime patrols, joint exercises, and rapid air interception duties across Thai airspace and the Gulf of Thailand.
The recent escalation in border tensions with Cambodia has marked a turning point in Thai airpower deployment. On July 26, 2025, RTAF Gripen C fighters conducted precision airstrikes against Cambodian artillery positions in response to repeated cross-border shelling incidents near the disputed Preah Vihear region. This engagement marked the first confirmed combat use of the Gripen in Royal Thai Air Force service and underscored the growing demand for modernized platforms with greater range, electronic warfare capability, and strike precision. The operational effectiveness of the Gripen C/D in the limited conflict scenario played a significant role in accelerating the government’s approval of the new E/F acquisition.
The upcoming Gripen E and F variants represent a significant generational leap over the C/D models currently in service. The Gripen E features a more powerful General Electric F414G engine, offering 20 percent more thrust than the RM12 engine used in the Gripen C. It is equipped with the advanced Raven ES-05 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which provides longer detection ranges and improved tracking of low-RCS targets. The aircraft also integrates the Skyward-G infrared search and track (IRST) system, enhancing passive target acquisition in contested electronic environments. With increased internal fuel capacity, the Gripen E delivers extended range and loiter time, while a newly redesigned avionics architecture based on high-speed Ethernet links enables rapid software updates and future scalability.
The two-seat Gripen F variant is tailored for training, advanced mission coordination, and tactical leadership roles, making it ideal for squadron integration and pilot conversion training. Both variants come equipped with a wide range of precision-guided munitions, including Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, offering superior engagement capability over regional adversaries.
By committing to the Swedish SAAB JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter jet, Thailand reinforces its long-standing defense partnership with Sweden while distancing itself from reliance on U.S. platforms after the unsuccessful bid for the F-35. With deliveries of the first four aircraft expected by 2029 and further batches extending into the next decade, the Royal Thai Air Force is securing the future of its air combat capability through a blend of proven technology, modern architecture, and strategic industrial cooperation with Saab.
