After Sweden and Brazil, the JAS-39 Gripen E may finally find a new customer: the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). Thailand's air arm selected either the Saab model as its new jet, rather than the United States' F-16 Block 70s.
This is what the report delivered by Marshal Phanphakdee Phattanakul, commander of the RTAF, to Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin indicates. The document puts Gripen E as the best option, an RTAF source told Bangkok Post.
According to the military, the Marshal and his senior management were in Parliament this Wednesday (10) to explain the budget planning for the 2025 fiscal year. When asked about the progress of the purchase of the new planes, Marshal Phattanakul said he spoke with Minister Sutin and took the opportunity to point out the pros and cons of the Gripen and the F-16, including the additional that the air force would receive from their respective manufacturers.
Thailand is looking for a replacement for its 12 veteran F-16A/B Fighting Falcon fighters. The natural replacement would be the F-16 Block 70, a newer version of the popular North American jet. The USA even offered the model in rental form, but the operation's interest rates kept Thailand away, which also already operates Saab Gripen fighters in its JAS-39C/D version.
Although the RTAF has named Gripen as its favorite, the final decision will rest with the Minister of Defense. According to Marshal Phattanakul, once the decision has been made, it will be up to the Prime Minister to decide whether he or Minister Sutin will explain the decision on the new vector to the public.
Formerly called Gripen NG, Gripen E has won just two customers since it was launched. Sweden acquired 60 planes, while the Brazilian Air Force purchased 36 jets and is looking to sign a new batch. Brazil has already received eight planes, seven of which are in service with the FAB.
