Thailand has confirmed plans to acquire four Saab Gripen E/F fighter jets in a $500 million agreement, choosing the Swedish aircraft over American-made F-16s. The deal marks the initial step in a 10-year military modernization plan aimed at renewing the Royal Thai Air Force’s aging fleet.
The new jets will replace the older F-16 A/B variants that Thailand acquired in the 1980s. Air Force Chief Punpakdee Pattanakul emphasized the importance of the program, calling it a vital move to safeguard national sovereignty.
The procurement still requires cabinet approval, expected by mid-July, with a final decision likely by August. The Gripen was selected after a 10-month evaluation process that concluded in favor of the Swedish platform last year.
