The Royal Thai Air Force seeks an initial acquisition of four JAS 39 Gripen E/Fs. (Saab/Marcus Wandt)
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has announced that it has chosen the acquisition of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F over the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72.
An air force spokesperson told Janes on 28 August that the RTAF seeks the acquisition of a first batch of four Gripen E/Fs. While the RTAF announced its decision on a 27 August statement, the air force's selection committee assessed the type's suitability for the service on 20 August, based on additional information from Saab and Lockheed Martin, RTAF Commander Air Chief Marshal Phanphakdee Phattanakul said.
The air force said that key criteria in the decision making included the necessity of acquiring a fighter aircraft with capabilities above combat aircraft currently in service with the RTAF while also having “commonality and continuity”. The air force's selection of the Gripen E/F was also based on other considerations such as industrial collaboration and participation with Saab, the air force added in its 27 August statement.
“Based on the above considerations, the Design Selection Committee set detailed consideration procedures and criteria, which took more than 10 months to complete,” the RTAF said. “It was concluded that the Gripen E/F fighter aircraft has the capability to meet the tactical needs as laid out by the doctrine and strategy of the air force.”
The air force added that the aircraft will also be expected to conduct operations for “at least 30 years”.
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