Sweden delivered the first one of JAS 39 Gripen aircraft to Thailand on Wednesday, according to the Swedish government.
The Swedish Defense Minister Sten Tolgfors, Thai Armed Forces Supreme Commander Songkitti Jaggabatara and Thai Air Force Commander Itthaporn Subhawong presented the delivering ceremony in Linkoping where the aircraft manufacturer Saab aerospace and defense company is based, the Swedish government said in a statement.
At the ceremony, Tolgfors welcomed Thailand to the Gripen family with its members Sweden, Hungary, the Czech Republic and the Republic of South Africa.
He said “Thailand is an important partner for Sweden, in the area of defense as well as in other areas. Our bilateral cooperation in the defense area started more than 50 years ago when Sweden admitted Thai Navy Cadets for training.”
“Today our two countries take another step into further enhancing our cooperation when the first Gripen formally will be unveiled to be handed over to the Royal Thai Air Force,” Tolgfors added.
Sweden would deliver six Jas-39 Gripen aircraft to Thai Air Force according to a deal between Thai Air Force and the producer Swedish Saab in 2007.
