Breaking News: Saab confirms new order of Gripen E/F fighter jets by Thailand after combat success against Cambodia
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On August 25, 2025, Saab signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the supply of four Gripen E/F fighter aircraft to the Kingdom of Thailand. The order, valued at approximately SEK 5.3 billion (approximately $583 million), includes deliveries scheduled between 2025 and 2030. The package consists of three Gripen E single-seat fighters and one Gripen F dual-seat aircraft, as well as equipment, support, and training. Saab has also entered into a long-term offset agreement with the Royal Thai Air Force, which includes technology transfer, industrial cooperation, and investments in different sectors of the Thai economy. This deal combines the acquisition of advanced aircraft with economic and industrial elements, placing the program within Thailand’s broader defense modernization framework.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Gripen E/F can carry up to seven Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles and two IRIS-T short-range missiles for air superiority missions, as well as precision-guided bombs and reconnaissance pods for ground operations. (Picture source: Facebook/Blekinge Wing)
The Royal Thai Air Force already operates one squadron of Gripen C/D fighters, which were ordered in two batches in 2008 and 2010 and delivered between 2011 and 2013. The new Gripen E/F aircraft will operate alongside the existing fleet, extending the service life and operational relevance of the Gripen platform within Thailand. Saab’s President and CEO Micael Johansson stated that Thailand, being an established Gripen user, has selected the most modern variant to build what he described as independent strategic capabilities. The introduction of the E/F versions will create a mixed fleet that combines the older C/D variants with the latest technological features of the E-series, enhancing operational continuity while also introducing new systems.
The Gripen has already been employed in combat by Thailand, marking an important milestone in its operational history. On 26 July 2025, Royal Thai Air Force Gripens were deployed for the first time in combat during the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict. The aircraft were reported to have carried out strikes against Cambodian positions, representing the first confirmed use of Gripen fighters by Thailand in an armed conflict. This deployment provided practical experience for Thai pilots and ground crews, showing how the Gripen integrates into real combat operations and how the platform contributes to Thailand’s ability to respond to regional security challenges.
The Gripen E series was developed as a new-generation system to counter advanced threats and provide air forces with long-term adaptability. Both the Gripen E and Gripen F share a maximum take-off weight of 16,500 kilograms, a wingspan of 8.6 meters, and a length of 15.2 meters for the E and 15.9 meters for the F. The aircraft are powered by the General Electric F414G turbofan engine, producing 98 kN of thrust, and they are equipped with ten hardpoints for weapons and external stores. They can be refueled in the air and feature short turnaround times of between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on mission type. The E variant retains the Mauser BK27 27 mm gun, while the F variant omits it to accommodate the second crew member. Both aircraft can be rapidly rearmed and refueled, ensuring high availability in operational scenarios.
The avionics and sensor systems of the Gripen E include an AESA radar, an infrared search and track system (IRST), and an advanced electronic warfare suite with 360-degree coverage. These are integrated through networked sensor fusion, supported by NATO-standard Link 16 and national datalinks, allowing information to be shared in real time. Human-machine collaboration is supported by a wide-area display and a helmet-mounted display, assisted by embedded artificial intelligence that provides decision support to the pilot. This integration reduces pilot workload and facilitates rapid reaction in contested environments. The architecture separates mission systems from flight-critical systems, allowing for software-driven upgrades without recertification, which reduces costs and ensures that the aircraft remains adaptable to emerging threats. Furthermore, in May 2025, a Gripen E became the first fighter aircraft to be piloted by an artificial intelligence model named Centaur, which completed three sorties to demonstrate beyond-visual-range combat capabilities.
The Gripen E is designed to operate in both air-to-air and air-to-surface roles. It can carry up to seven Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles and two IRIS-T short-range missiles for air superiority missions, as well as precision-guided bombs and reconnaissance pods for ground operations. The aircraft supports a range of international weapons, ensuring flexibility for export customers. Its electronic warfare system allows both offensive and defensive missions, with functions including real-time signal analysis, countermeasure management, and electronic intelligence collection. The design also emphasizes dispersed operations, as the Gripen can operate from short road bases or austere airstrips, requiring only a small number of support personnel and limited ground equipment.
Interoperability is central to the Gripen program, and the E/F variants are fully compatible with allied joint operations. Communication systems, datalinks, and ease of weapons integration support coordination with other air, land, and naval forces. For Thailand, this ensures that its new Gripens can participate effectively in multinational exercises and operations in the Asia-Pacific region. The offset agreement signed with Saab further embeds this acquisition into Thailand’s industrial and economic development, providing technology transfer and cooperation opportunities beyond the defense sector. The contract consolidates Thailand’s position as a Gripen operator in Asia and adds it to the group of nations, alongside Sweden and Brazil, that are investing in the Gripen E/F as their next-generation fighter.
By acquiring the Gripen E/F, Thailand will enhance the Royal Thai Air Force’s capability to secure national airspace and strengthen its regional defense posture. The purchase, valued at SEK 5.3 billion, not only supplies four new fighters but also integrates them into a broader modernization effort that combines operational capability, technology transfer, and industrial partnerships. The new aircraft will join Thailand’s existing Gripen squadron, creating a mixed fleet that incorporates both the C/D and E/F variants. With deliveries taking place between 2025 and 2030, this order represents a long-term commitment to the Gripen system, and the associated offset package ensures that benefits will extend beyond the military sector to Thailand’s wider economy and technological base. Beyond Thailand, the Gripen has been adopted by several other nations, and more are considering it for future procurement.
Sweden and Brazil are the main operators of the Gripen E/F, while the Gripen C/D remains in service with Hungary, the Czech Republic, and South Africa, in addition to Thailand. The United Kingdom uses a Gripen D for training at the Empire Test Pilots’ School, and Colombia has recently selected the Gripen E/F to replace its IAI Kfir fleet. Portugal has evaluated the Gripen as part of its long-term air force renewal options, considering it for interoperability within NATO while weighing it against alternatives such as the F-35. Canada also assessed the Gripen E in its fighter replacement competition before selecting the F-35, with the Gripen considered attractive due to its lower operating costs, local industrial cooperation opportunities, and compatibility with Arctic deployment needs. Other countries, including India with its evaluation of the Sea Gripen and Argentina with interest limited by British component restrictions, have also studied the aircraft. The main reasons for the selection of the Gripen, exemplified by Peru, often include lower operational costs compared to competitors such as the F-16, industrial cooperation and technology transfer agreements, and the aircraft’s ability to operate from dispersed bases with high availability rates. These factors make the Gripen attractive to countries seeking modern fighter capabilities at lower lifetime costs while gaining access to defense industrial benefits.
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On August 25, 2025, Saab signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the supply of four Gripen E/F fighter aircraft to the Kingdom of Thailand. The order, valued at approximately SEK 5.3 billion (approximately $583 million), includes deliveries scheduled between 2025 and 2030. The package consists of three Gripen E single-seat fighters and one Gripen F dual-seat aircraft, as well as equipment, support, and training. Saab has also entered into a long-term offset agreement with the Royal Thai Air Force, which includes technology transfer, industrial cooperation, and investments in different sectors of the Thai economy. This deal combines the acquisition of advanced aircraft with economic and industrial elements, placing the program within Thailand’s broader defense modernization framework.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Gripen E/F can carry up to seven Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles and two IRIS-T short-range missiles for air superiority missions, as well as precision-guided bombs and reconnaissance pods for ground operations. (Picture source: Facebook/Blekinge Wing)
The Royal Thai Air Force already operates one squadron of Gripen C/D fighters, which were ordered in two batches in 2008 and 2010 and delivered between 2011 and 2013. The new Gripen E/F aircraft will operate alongside the existing fleet, extending the service life and operational relevance of the Gripen platform within Thailand. Saab’s President and CEO Micael Johansson stated that Thailand, being an established Gripen user, has selected the most modern variant to build what he described as independent strategic capabilities. The introduction of the E/F versions will create a mixed fleet that combines the older C/D variants with the latest technological features of the E-series, enhancing operational continuity while also introducing new systems.
The Gripen has already been employed in combat by Thailand, marking an important milestone in its operational history. On 26 July 2025, Royal Thai Air Force Gripens were deployed for the first time in combat during the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict. The aircraft were reported to have carried out strikes against Cambodian positions, representing the first confirmed use of Gripen fighters by Thailand in an armed conflict. This deployment provided practical experience for Thai pilots and ground crews, showing how the Gripen integrates into real combat operations and how the platform contributes to Thailand’s ability to respond to regional security challenges.
The Gripen E series was developed as a new-generation system to counter advanced threats and provide air forces with long-term adaptability. Both the Gripen E and Gripen F share a maximum take-off weight of 16,500 kilograms, a wingspan of 8.6 meters, and a length of 15.2 meters for the E and 15.9 meters for the F. The aircraft are powered by the General Electric F414G turbofan engine, producing 98 kN of thrust, and they are equipped with ten hardpoints for weapons and external stores. They can be refueled in the air and feature short turnaround times of between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on mission type. The E variant retains the Mauser BK27 27 mm gun, while the F variant omits it to accommodate the second crew member. Both aircraft can be rapidly rearmed and refueled, ensuring high availability in operational scenarios.
The avionics and sensor systems of the Gripen E include an AESA radar, an infrared search and track system (IRST), and an advanced electronic warfare suite with 360-degree coverage. These are integrated through networked sensor fusion, supported by NATO-standard Link 16 and national datalinks, allowing information to be shared in real time. Human-machine collaboration is supported by a wide-area display and a helmet-mounted display, assisted by embedded artificial intelligence that provides decision support to the pilot. This integration reduces pilot workload and facilitates rapid reaction in contested environments. The architecture separates mission systems from flight-critical systems, allowing for software-driven upgrades without recertification, which reduces costs and ensures that the aircraft remains adaptable to emerging threats. Furthermore, in May 2025, a Gripen E became the first fighter aircraft to be piloted by an artificial intelligence model named Centaur, which completed three sorties to demonstrate beyond-visual-range combat capabilities.
The Gripen E is designed to operate in both air-to-air and air-to-surface roles. It can carry up to seven Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles and two IRIS-T short-range missiles for air superiority missions, as well as precision-guided bombs and reconnaissance pods for ground operations. The aircraft supports a range of international weapons, ensuring flexibility for export customers. Its electronic warfare system allows both offensive and defensive missions, with functions including real-time signal analysis, countermeasure management, and electronic intelligence collection. The design also emphasizes dispersed operations, as the Gripen can operate from short road bases or austere airstrips, requiring only a small number of support personnel and limited ground equipment.
Interoperability is central to the Gripen program, and the E/F variants are fully compatible with allied joint operations. Communication systems, datalinks, and ease of weapons integration support coordination with other air, land, and naval forces. For Thailand, this ensures that its new Gripens can participate effectively in multinational exercises and operations in the Asia-Pacific region. The offset agreement signed with Saab further embeds this acquisition into Thailand’s industrial and economic development, providing technology transfer and cooperation opportunities beyond the defense sector. The contract consolidates Thailand’s position as a Gripen operator in Asia and adds it to the group of nations, alongside Sweden and Brazil, that are investing in the Gripen E/F as their next-generation fighter.
By acquiring the Gripen E/F, Thailand will enhance the Royal Thai Air Force’s capability to secure national airspace and strengthen its regional defense posture. The purchase, valued at SEK 5.3 billion, not only supplies four new fighters but also integrates them into a broader modernization effort that combines operational capability, technology transfer, and industrial partnerships. The new aircraft will join Thailand’s existing Gripen squadron, creating a mixed fleet that incorporates both the C/D and E/F variants. With deliveries taking place between 2025 and 2030, this order represents a long-term commitment to the Gripen system, and the associated offset package ensures that benefits will extend beyond the military sector to Thailand’s wider economy and technological base. Beyond Thailand, the Gripen has been adopted by several other nations, and more are considering it for future procurement.
Sweden and Brazil are the main operators of the Gripen E/F, while the Gripen C/D remains in service with Hungary, the Czech Republic, and South Africa, in addition to Thailand. The United Kingdom uses a Gripen D for training at the Empire Test Pilots’ School, and Colombia has recently selected the Gripen E/F to replace its IAI Kfir fleet. Portugal has evaluated the Gripen as part of its long-term air force renewal options, considering it for interoperability within NATO while weighing it against alternatives such as the F-35. Canada also assessed the Gripen E in its fighter replacement competition before selecting the F-35, with the Gripen considered attractive due to its lower operating costs, local industrial cooperation opportunities, and compatibility with Arctic deployment needs. Other countries, including India with its evaluation of the Sea Gripen and Argentina with interest limited by British component restrictions, have also studied the aircraft. The main reasons for the selection of the Gripen, exemplified by Peru, often include lower operational costs compared to competitors such as the F-16, industrial cooperation and technology transfer agreements, and the aircraft’s ability to operate from dispersed bases with high availability rates. These factors make the Gripen attractive to countries seeking modern fighter capabilities at lower lifetime costs while gaining access to defense industrial benefits.
