Thailand's Royal Thai Air Force has announced its decision to prioritize Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets for its fleet renewal, favoring them over the American F-16s. This choice follows a comprehensive 10-month evaluation period.

According to a statement from the Royal Thai Air Force, the JAS 39 Gripen E/F was deemed the most suitable option to meet the country’s strategic needs. The air force highlighted that this decision is part of a long-term plan to bolster national defense capabilities for the next 30 years.

The Gripen jets are preferred for their ability to align with Thailand's strategic principles and work effectively with other security forces. While Lockheed Martin’s latest F-16 models are still being considered, the final decision will be made by the Thai government.

The new Gripens are intended to replace the older F-16 A/B jets that were acquired in the late 1980s. Although specific numbers for the Gripen purchase have not been disclosed, earlier reports suggested that Thailand might acquire around a dozen of these aircraft.

Currently, the Thai Air Force operates a mix of 11 older Gripen jets and numerous F-16s. Saab, the manufacturer of the Gripen, expressed enthusiasm about the decision. Mattias Radstrom, Saab’s press manager, welcomed the news and indicated that discussions with the Thai Air Force and authorities will continue.

The Gripen fighter jets are praised for their ability to align with the Royal Thai Air Force’s strategic goals and seamlessly integrate with other national security forces. This compatibility is a key factor in their selection, as it ensures that the new aircraft will effectively support and enhance Thailand’s defense capabilities.

While the Swedish Gripens have been prioritized, Lockheed Martin’s latest F-16 models are still under review. The final decision on which aircraft to purchase ultimately lies with the Thai government, which will weigh various factors before making a conclusive choice.

The Gripen jets are set to replace the aging F-16 A/B models that were acquired in the late 1980s. The transition aims to modernize the Thai Air Force's fleet and improve overall operational efficiency.

Although the exact number of Gripen jets Thailand plans to purchase has not been disclosed, earlier reports from specialized defense sources indicated that the country is considering acquiring approximately a dozen of these advanced aircraft.

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