Thailand has approved the acquisition of four Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, the air force announced on Tuesday. The decision comes just a week after a ceasefire was reached in a deadly border conflict with Cambodia.
The $600 million deal for Saab’s JAS 39 Gripen aircraft was initially proposed in June as part of Thailand’s broader plan to modernize its air combat fleet. The recent border clashes, which left over 40 people dead, underscored the need for advanced aerial capabilities.
During the five-day conflict, the Royal Thai Air Force deployed its aging fleet of F-16s to conduct airstrikes on Cambodian military positions. A 10-month procurement review concluded in favor of the Swedish jets over new American F-16s.
Thailand currently operates 11 older Gripens alongside dozens of F-16s dating back to the 1980s. The newly approved jets will be funded through the country’s 200 billion baht ($6 billion) defense budget, which supports the army, navy, and air force.
