Saab, a Swedish high-technology company involved in defense, aviation, and aerospace, is currently in negotiations with Thailand regarding the purchase of Gripen E/F fighter jets while pursuing other international sales opportunities. On August 27, the Royal Thai Air Force confirmed its selection of the Gripen E/F as the best option to protect national interests.
Previously, the Royal Thai Air Force had considered the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 as an option. However, the F-16 was quickly eliminated from the competition after Thailand firmly chose the Gripen E/F. Bangkok requires 12 aircraft, which are expected to include two Gripen F units with a two-seat configuration.
On another note, the Royal Thai Air Force is also planning to replace its F-16A/B Block 15 with fifth-generation fighter jets, specifically the F-35A. The Thai cabinet had even approved a budget for the procurement of four F-35 units in January 2022. Unfortunately, in May 2023, the United States announced that the F-35 was unavailable for Thailand.
As an alternative, Thailand turned to the Gripen E/F, which, although different from the F-35, offers significantly lower operating and maintenance costs. The price of the Gripen E/F is also more affordable, allowing Thailand to purchase 12 Gripen E/F aircraft at a cost equivalent to four F-35 units.
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Gaining Global Interest: Saab’s Gripen in High Demand
The single-engine Gripen E fighter jet is also a contender to meet the Philippine Air Force's requirement for 40 aircraft. Meanwhile, in the third quarter, Saab delivered several Gripen E jets to two key customers, Brazil and Sweden.
Additionally, Saab continues to monitor Brazil's interest in potential follow-up purchases. Amid these developments, Saab's CEO, Micael Johansson, stated that the U.S. Department of Justice's October 10 decision to subpoena the company over Brazil's decade-old purchase of 36 Gripen E/Fs was "a surprise."
According to Cirium fleet data, the Brazilian Air Force has so far received eight of the 28 F-39E fighter jets it is scheduled to receive. Brazil will also field eight two-seat F-model jets under a contract signed in 2014.
Meanwhile, Peru has approved a budget for the acquisition of 24 new fighter jets, with the tender process set to begin soon, while Colombia is preparing to launch a similar program in the near future.
