Thailand buys new Gripen fighters to strengthen air defense

English Posted on  —by Carro e motos
Thailand buys new Gripen fighters to strengthen air defense
Thailand buys new Gripen fighters to strengthen air defense (X @Saab)

Thailand has approved the purchase of four new Gripen JAS 39E/F fighters from the Swedish manufacturer Saab, aiming to bolster its air defense amid escalating tensions with Cambodia.

The move was announced by the Royal Thai Air Force on August 5, following government authorization to acquire the aircraft to replace those out of service.

The decision comes amid rumors that the Swedish government had blocked the sale after alleged use of Thai fighters in attacks against Cambodian territory. However, both the Swedish embassy in Bangkok and the Swedish government denied any embargo or sales restrictions.

The choice of Gripen E/F fighters had already been made in 2023, following a comparative analysis with the United States’ F-16V models. The Thai Air Force’s plan foresees modernizing its fleet with up to 12 new aircraft between 2025 and 2029. The air force commander will visit Sweden in August to finalize the purchase agreement.

Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @Saab | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.

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