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. Saab declined to comment on the RTAF selection.
In recent months the RTAF has been evaluating the Gripen E and Lockheed Martin's F-16 Fighting Falcon Block 70/72 to meet a requirement to replace F-16A/B aircraft operated by the RTAF's 102 Squadron, Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima province.
According to the RTAF's White Paper published in February, the “fighter replacement project” runs from 2025 to 2034 and features the acquisition of 12–14 aircraft including related weapon systems and ground support equipment and training.
However, budgetary constraints are likely to mean the RTAF will seek to procure an initial batch of four aircraft, estimated to cost about THB19 billion (USD539 million), with additional airframes procured later this decade.
The Thai government has proposed a THB200.3 billion defence budget for 2024–25, a 1% increase over 2023–24. However, full approvals for the budget are not expected before September. Thailand's financial year starts in October.
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