Thailand formalizes order for 4 new Saab JAS-39 Gripen E/F fighters

 

The Saab JAS-39E Gripen fighter. Photo c/o Saab 

Swedish defense company Saab AB has confirmed that it has received a contract from the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) for an order of four new JAS-39E/F Gripen fighter aircraft to be delivered to the Kingdom of Thailand.

The order is composed of three JAS-39E single-seat and one JAS-39F two-seat Gripen fighter aircraft, including associated equipment, support and training package.

Saab’s contract is worth SEK5.3 billion (around US$565 million), with deliveries and services expected to be made between 2025 to 2030.

American engine company General Electric also confirmed separately that they will be supplying the GE Aerospace F414 -GE-39E jet engines to Saab to power the four JAS-39E/F Gripens ordered by Thailand.

In a separate note, Saab also signed a contract with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) for a long-term offset package as part of the acquisition of Gripen fighters, which includes transfer of defense technology, industrial cooperation with Thailand, as well as investments in different sectors of the Thai economy.

Saab competed against American defense company Lockheed Martin which is offering their F-16 Block 70/72 Viper. But previous press releases by the Thai Government indicated that Sweden has provided a more acceptable proposal in terms of price, counter-trade and technology transfer.

The order is believed to be just the initial stage, with Thailand expected to order a total of 12 aircraft to replace some of its ageing F-16A/B Fighting Falcon fighters. Succeeding orders

The RTAF already has a squadron of 11 of the earlier-variant JAS-39C/D Gripen, as well as two Saab 340 Erieye airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) aircraft. 

[1] Saab AB

[2] GE Aerospace

[3] Breaking Defense