According to the Thai air force, they provided "continuous support" to the army in missions along the border with Cambodia, with both Gripen and F-16, during the five days that the conflict lasted before a fragile ceasefire came into force on Monday evening.
A spokesperson has said that it involved "precision attacks on military targets that were considered a threat to Thailand's security". Among other things, they are said to have destroyed ammunition depots and command centers in the attacks, which were carried out both during the day and at night.
First time
Apparently, it is the first time that Gripen planes have been used to attack real targets since the maiden flight in Sweden in 1988.
Yes, that's what I know, says Stefan Wilson, department head at the Defense University and former combat pilot and commander of the Swedish unit during the NATO-led operation in Libya in 2011.
He says that the Gripen attacks in Cambodia – which has no fighter jets of its own – were likely relatively uncomplicated, based on what has been reported in Thailand.
– If they have dropped precision weapons, it's some form of laser- or GPS-guided bombs. And assuming it was in a fairly undisturbed environment, without radio or radar or other forms of interference, and if they didn't operate under threat of air defense, it's pretty basic stuff, says Stefan Wilson.
Basic capabilities
Therefore, he does not think that there will be a huge interest from Saab to analyze the Thai attacks more closely, even if it's the first time.
It's not from a technical perspective a very advanced operation, but rather basic capabilities for Gripen.
Thailand currently has eleven Swedish Gripens of model C/D and is in negotiations to buy more from Saab. Stefan Wilson does not think that the air raids themselves, if they were carried out in the way the air force says, will be an obstacle for Thailand in that process.
If they have acted according to the laws of war, I don't think it speaks either for or against. Sweden hasn't written an agreement that says "if you use the system, we have to buy it back". Once you've bought them, you can use them at your own discretion.
Over 40 people are reported to have been killed during the violence along the border, according to authorities in both countries. Soldiers are among the victims, but the majority are said to be civilians.
Marc Skogelin/TT
Facts: Countries with Gripen
TT
Sweden has used all previous versions of Gripen and has placed an order with Saab for series production of 60 Gripen E, the latest generation of the fighter jet. Today, the Swedish air force has just under 100 fighter jets.
Brazil ordered 36 Gripen E in 2014, of which eight have been delivered so far. In November 2024, Brazil announced that they plan to buy nine more planes.
South Africa has previously purchased 26 Gripen planes.
Thailand owns 11 Gripens and is in negotiations to buy more planes to replace American F-16 planes, which have been in operation since 1988.
The Czech Republic leases 14 Gripen planes – 12 single-seat Gripen C and two two-seat Gripen D – from Sweden, and the contract is to be extended until 2035.
Hungary leased 14 planes – 12 Gripen C and two Gripen D – which were then purchased. An agreement was signed last year to buy four more Gripen C.
Colombia announced in April 2025 that they plan to buy Gripen.
