In a notable development for the global fighter jet market, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has reportedly confirmed its decision to acquire additional Swedish Gripen E/F fighters. This move is intended to augment their existing fleet of Gripen C/D aircraft, representing a significant win for Saab and the Swedish aviation industry.
The Gripen platform has faced stiff competition in the international export market over the past decade, often losing out to rivals such as the American F-35 stealth fighter in various tenders. Therefore, this confirmed order from Thailand provides a much-needed boost for Saab, reaffirming the Gripen’s appeal in specific operational contexts.
A primary factor underpinning Thailand’s decision is the high degree of commonality between the new Gripen E/F variant and its current Gripen C/D fighters. This shared lineage promises substantial benefits in terms of training, maintenance, and logistics, potentially reducing the overall lifetime costs and operational complexities for the RTAF. Such commonality can be a crucial differentiator for air forces seeking cost-effective modernization.
The new Gripen E/F variant brings a suite of significant improvements over its predecessors. Its enhanced avionics package includes the advanced Raven ES-05 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, offering superior situational awareness and target tracking capabilities.
Furthermore, the Gripen E/F is fully compatible with the cutting-edge Meteor long-range air-to-air missile, providing a formidable beyond-visual-range engagement capability. Other improvements in the E/F model often include increased fuel capacity, more powerful engines, and enhanced electronic warfare systems.
While the Gripen may not possess the stealth characteristics of some fifth-generation fighters, its appeal lies in its “smart fighter” concept, focusing on networked operations, advanced sensors, and efficient data fusion. Its relatively low lifetime operational costs, compared to heavier, more complex fighter jets, remain a major attraction for nations looking to balance capability with economic viability.
For the Royal Thai Air Force, this acquisition signifies a commitment to modernizing its air defense capabilities while leveraging existing infrastructure and expertise. For Sweden’s Saab, it reaffirms the Gripen’s niche as a highly capable, cost-effective, and adaptable multirole fighter, demonstrating its continued relevance in a highly competitive global defense landscape.