The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has officially selected the Saab Gripen E/F as its next-generation fighter, confirming plans to purchase 12 aircraft from Sweden under a 60 billion baht government-to-government deal. The jets will replace Thailand’s ageing F-16 fleet, with the first four aircraft to be delivered by 2029.
This long-term, three-phase procurement includes advanced capabilities such as AESA radar, electronic warfare systems, and Meteor BVR missiles. A comprehensive offset package worth over 100 billion baht will support local industry, technology transfer, and training.
Contract signing is expected by August 2025, with the project running over 10 years. Thailand has operated earlier Gripen models (C/D) since 2011.