Thai fighter pilots flying Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen delivered a decisive performance against Chinese J-11 jets during the “Falcon Strike” joint exercise, according to military analyst Dr. Brent M. Eastwood.
In simulated long-range aerial battles, the Royal Thai Air Force scored an 88% hit rate using AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, downing 41 Chinese jets while losing only nine Gripens. The impressive outcome highlighted the Gripen’s advanced sensors and targeting capabilities—and the skill of the Thai pilots.
The Gripen, developed by Saab, continues to draw global attention as a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to other Western jets.
Dr. Eastwood notes that similar success has been seen in past exercises, with Gripens outperforming US and Norwegian fighters as well.
Read the full article by Dr. Brent M. Eastwood on 19FortyFive.
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