Thailand has announced the decision to buy four Gripen E/F jets from Sweden’s Saab, prioritizing advanced features and long-term compatibility over the U.S.-made F-16, in a deal estimated at $500 million.
The jets are intended to replace old-generation fighters currently in use, specifically the F-16 A/Bs bought in the 1980s. This is the first stage of a 12-jet procurement roadmap to be rolled out over the next decade, according to military officials.
The selection, made after nearly a year of deliberation, will be presented to the Thai cabinet by mid-July, with formal contract finalization scheduled for August.
