Update: Thai air force makes Gripen E recommendation

Saab's Gripen E has been selected by the Thai air force for its fighter aircraft requirement but the decision is subject to government approvals. (Saab)

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has selected Saab's Gripen E to meet a requirement for a squadron of new fighter aircraft, the RTAF has confirmed to Janes . An RTAF spokesperson said on 14 July that a recommendation to procure the Gripen E was recently submitted to the Thai government.

“The procurement is in process [but is] dependent on the government,” the spokesperson said. The spokesperson added that the programme would progress following Thai government assessments and budgetary approvals. A formal announcement on the procurement is expected in the next few months.

A spokesperson for Swedish defence group Saab told Janes , “Saab has submitted a complete future airpower solution based on the Gripen E/F advanced multirole fighter. This proposal meets all the operational requirements of the Royal Thai Air Force and delivers a number of unique capabilities that cannot be acquired elsewhere.”

The spokesperson added, “Of equal importance, the Swedish offer meets all aspects of the offset policy – set out as a clear condition of the acquisition process. The Swedish offset proposals were delivered as specified, in accordance with Thailand's evaluation process timeline.”

The Saab spokesperson said that the Swedish offset proposal will ensure the “best return on investment for Thailand that will exceed the contract value through a well-structured, long-term plan that covers key areas of critical technologies and national capabilities for Thailand”.