Thailand prefers Swedish Gripen fighters to US F-16s

Thailand wants to upgrade its fleet of combat aircraft with Gripen fighter jets, preferring Swedish-made aircraft to American F-16s.

Here's What We Know

The procurement committee weighed the options for 10 months before deciding that the JAS 39 Gripen E/F was the best option, the Royal Thai Air Force said in a statement.

"We have considered this purchase very carefully so that we can make the most of it to defend our country for at least another 30 years. The Gripen can meet the strategic objective of the Thai Air Force," the statement said.

The option of Lockheed Martin's F-16 is still under consideration, but the final decision rests with the Thai government.

However, if the Swedish Gripen is chosen, it is likely to replace the F-16 A/B jets purchased in the late 1980s. Currently, Thailand operates 11 older Gripen jets, as well as several dozen F-16s.

No details on the possible number of Gripen are available yet, but reports in the media earlier this year suggested that the state may purchase around twelve aircraft.

Source: The Defence Post