The Swedish Embassy in Thailand officially denied reports claiming Sweden had suspended further sales of Gripen fighter jets to Thailand, posting a clarification on its Facebook page on August 1 that "no decision has been made to suspend future sales" to the Royal Thai Air Force.
The Thai Air Force also categorically dismissed news reports suggesting Sweden had halted the sale of a dozen Saab JAS 39 Gripen jets following Thailand's recent combat deployment of the aircraft.
The controversy emerged after Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard reportedly delayed approval of new sales due to rising tensions on the Thai-Cambodian border, where Thailand deployed Gripen jets in combat for the first time.
The Swedish parliament Riksdagen has already given the government authority to enter into an agreement with Thailand for up to 12 new Gripens and additional air defense systems, though the contract remains unsigned.
Thailand's commitment to Swedish aircraft continues with plans to purchase the first four Gripen E/F jets from 2025 to 2029, including three single-seat Gripen E and one dual-seat Gripen F aircraft with advanced support systems.
