The first of the four new Gripen aircraft ordered by Thailand is expected to be operational sometime in 2029, according to Micael Johanson, CEO of Gripen manufacturer Saab.
In total, Thailand will replace twelve American F-16 planes in three stages and there may well be follow-up orders for Saab.
But we have no contract for that yet, says the Saab CEO.
Other deals
In addition to fighter jets – three single-seat Gripen E and one two-seat Gripen F – Saab will deliver competence development, industrial cooperation, and technology transfer via FMV, so that the Thai air force can handle maintenance and upgrades of the aircraft in the long run.
Other deals are also included in the agreement.
In this case, it's partly about linking systems such as ships, airborne surveillance, and Gripen. Then we will also ensure that they can upgrade their reconnaissance aircraft, which they previously purchased from us, says Micael Johansson about the so-called offset deals.
The deal is "important for Sweden", according to Minister of Defence Pål Jonson (The Moderate Party).
It's important for Sweden, but above all for our defence capability, that we find partner countries that want to further develop the Gripen E system. The more countries that use Gripen, the better they will become, he says.
The Inspectorate for Strategic Products (ISP) will review the deal and check, among other things, that the country buying does not find itself at war and meets the democracy criteria.
"We are following this conflict closely"
Thailand has had eleven Swedish Gripen of model C/D since a previous deal – which, among other things, were used in the border conflict with neighboring country Cambodia earlier this summer.
We are following this conflict closely and we are also pleased that a ceasefire has now been agreed upon, says Pål Jonson.
As long as Thailand acts within the rules – international law and the law of nations – it is their full right to use the platforms and systems that we deliver to them, he adds.
When asked if Thailand meets the democracy criteria, he replies:
Thailand has made great efforts in this regard as well and since 2024, they have made a transition to civilian rule. This is also something that we naturally welcome.
Corrected: In a previous version, the wrong type of Gripen plane was stated.
