The Thai government has approved the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) proposal to acquire four new Gripen E fighter jets from Sweden, according to an official announcement on Tuesday 5 August 2025.
The procurement, valued at 22.8 billion baht (approximately USD 635 million), is part of Thailand’s long-term effort to modernise its combat air fleet. Delivery of the new aircraft is expected in 2028.
The newly approved Gripens will be stationed at Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima, replacing aging F-16A/B fighters that have been in service since the 1980s. The decision follows a ten-month evaluation process led by a procurement committee, which concluded in favour of the Swedish-made jets over a competing proposal to upgrade existing American F-16s.
Thailand already operates 11 earlier-generation Gripen C/D aircraft at Wing 7 in Surat Thani, purchased in a previous defence acquisition programme. The RTAF has cited interoperability with the current fleet, cost-efficiency, and long-term logistical support as key reasons for choosing to expand the Gripen platform.
The decision comes just one week after Thailand and Cambodia reached a ceasefire agreement following five days of deadly border clashes. During the conflict, which claimed more than 40 lives, the RTAF deployed F-16s to conduct strikes on military targets across the border.
“The cabinet has approved the purchase of JAS 39 Saab Gripen to strengthen the Royal Thai Air Force and protect Thailand’s sovereignty,” said a brief RTAF’s statement.
The country’s overall defence budget for 2025 stands at 200 billion baht, covering the army, navy, and air force.
The Thai Cabinet also finalized Thailand’s long-troubled submarine contract with China, resolving complications dating back to the military government of General Prayuth Chan-ocha in 2017.
The purchase of the Yuan Class S26T submarine, for which the Royal Thai Navy signed a contract with the Chinese company CSOC in 2017, was stalled because Germany refused to supply submarine engines due to EU arms export restrictions to China. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai solved the issue by modifying the contract to use Chinese CHD620 engines instead, signing the updated agreement in June when he served as Defense Minister.
Thailand has already paid 10 of 18 installments – totaling 7.7 billion baht ($238 million) or 60% of the total cost – sp cancellation was financially not an option.
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