Key Points – The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) announced in June 2025 its decision to acquire 12 Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F multirole fighters over a ten-year period to replace its aging fleet.
-This move comes after the United States declined to sell the F-35 stealth fighter to Thailand in 2023, citing readiness and technology security concerns.
-The JAS 39 Gripen was chosen over alternatives like the F-16 Block 70 due to its lower acquisition and operating costs, Saab’s willingness to provide technology transfer, greater operational independence for Thailand, and commonality with the RTAF’s existing fleet of older Gripen C/D aircraft.
No F-35? Here Comes the JAS 39 Gripen
For some time, the Royal Thai Air Force has been seeking to replace its old fleet of American-made F-5 fighter jets. In its search for a modern replacement, Thailand has officially decided to purchase the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F fourth-generation fighters.
Its first tranche of four fighters is expected to arrive in the near future. This deal signals yet another victory for Saab, who has recently claimed more and more customers in the international market. Additionally, the Gripen E/F provides Thailand with a substantial arial capability to help keep its air force up to date.
Thailand Couldn’t Get the F-35
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has relied heavily on American-made aircraft, including the F-5 and F-16. However, as these platforms age and regional competitors enhance their own air capabilities, Thailand has sought to modernize its fleet with more advanced and sustainable options.
In 2023, the United States designated Thailand as a Major Non-NATO Ally, a status that typically facilitates access to advanced U.S. military technology. Despite this designation, the U.S. declined to sell the F-35 stealth fighter to Thailand, citing concerns over the country’s readiness in terms of training, infrastructure, and the sensitive nature of the aircraft’s technology. This rejection prompted Thailand to explore alternative options, leading to the selection of Sweden’s Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F.
In June 2025, the RTAF announced its intention to acquire a total of 12 Gripen E/F multirole fighters over a ten-year period. The initial phase of the procurement includes four aircraft—three single-seat JAS 39Es and one twin-seat JAS-39F, at an estimated cost of 19.5 billion baht, or approximately 596 million U.S. dollars. This acquisition is structured as a government-to-government agreement between Thailand and Sweden, with Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) responsible for delivery and support. The deal also includes offset agreements, which are expected to bring industrial and technological benefits to Thailand, such as local maintenance capabilities and potential collaboration in defense technology development.
What Makes the JAS 39 Fighter Special
The Saab 39 Gripen is a multirole fourth-generation fighter. It is designed to offer high survivability, superior situational awareness, and seamless interoperability with NATO and allied systems. Among its most notable features are the Raven ES-05 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
This system provides enhanced target detection and tracking; an infrared search and track (IRST) system for passive detection of enemy aircraft; and integration with the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, which significantly extends its combat reach.
The aircraft also boasts advanced datalinks for real-time information sharing and a modular avionics architecture that allows for rapid upgrades.
One of the Gripen’s most attractive qualities is its low operating cost, which is significantly lower than that of Western counterparts like the F-35 or Eurofighter Typhoon.
This makes it an ideal choice for countries like Thailand that seek high performance without the financial burden of more expensive platforms.
Why the RTAF Chose the JAS 39 Gripen
There are several reasons why Thailand settled with the Gripen as opposed to other offers, such as the F-16 Block 70/72.
Cost was one of the primary concerns, as the Gripen offers a high-performance platform at a relatively lower acquisition and lifecycle cost. Saab’s willingness to provide technology transfer and industrial cooperation was another key factor, aligning with Thailand’s goal of developing its domestic defense industry.
Additionally, the Gripen allows for greater operational independence compared to U.S. platforms, which often come with restrictions on upgrades and mission planning. Thailand’s existing fleet of 11 older JAS 39C/D Gripens and two Saab 340 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft also played a role, as the new E/F variants can be integrated more easily into the current infrastructure.
Saab’s Growing Influence on the International Market
The integration of the new Gripens with Thailand’s existing systems is expected to be relatively smooth. The Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft, which serve as airborne command and control platforms, are also slated for upgrades to enhance their capabilities.
This will further improve the RTAF’s ability to conduct network-centric operations, where information is shared in real time between aircraft, ground stations, and command centers. The new Gripens will eventually replace the aging F-16A/Bs, which have been in service since the 1980s. This transition will ensure that the RTAF maintains a modern and capable fighter fleet well into the 2030s.
The U.S. is undoubtedly the biggest loser in this deal. However, this isn’t a sign of worsening relations, and it’s a sign of Saab’s growing reputation in the international market. Saab JAS 39 is currently flown by six countries from Brazil to South Africa, with many more expressing interest in acquiring the JAS 39 Gripen.
The JAS 39 has gained this reputation due to its cost-effectiveness and its overall reliability. By choosing a European supplier over the United States, Thailand signals a desire to diversify its defense relationships and reduce overreliance on any single partner.
About the Author:
Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
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