Royal Thai Air Force selects Saab Gripen E/F as next-generation fighter

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has confirmed its selection of the Saab Gripen E/F as its future multi-role fighter aircraft, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing effort to modernize its air combat capabilities. 

While a formal contract has not yet been signed, Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) are set to enter the next phase of the procurement process with the Kingdom of Thailand. The number of Gripen E/F aircraft to be ordered, and how many of each type, has not yet been specified. 

 As part of its offer, Saab is proposing not only the latest generation Gripen E/F fighters and associated equipment, but also a long-term offset package across various sectors of Thai industry. Specifics of this package are still to be negotiated. 

“We welcome the Royal Thai Air Force’s selection of Gripen E/F as its future fighter and look forward to the next steps in this procurement process,” said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab. “Gripen E/F is the best solution to provide Thailand with independent airpower for the future which will contribute significantly to the nation’s safety and security.” 

Thailand is already familiar with the Gripen platform, having operated the Gripen C/D since 2011. The country received eight Gripen C single-seaters and four Gripen D two-seaters, though one of the C-models was lost in a 2017 crash during an air show. In 2022, the RTAF completed an upgrade program to bring its fleet to the MS20 standard, improving radar capabilities and support for a broader range of air-to-ground and air-to-air munitions. 

The Royal Thai Air Force’s broader fighter fleet also includes aging Northrop F-5s from the 1970s and General Dynamics F-16B and C variants acquired in the 1980s. 

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Thailand’s decision to select the Gripen E/F follows a broader trend of international interest in Saab’s advanced multirole fighter. In April 2025, Colombia announced its selection of the Gripen E/F to replace its aging fleet of Israeli-made Kfir jets. The post Royal Thai Air Force selects Saab Gripen E/F as next-generation fighter appeared first on AeroTime.

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