Thai Air Force Deals Blow to US, Inks $600 Million Deal with Sweden for Gripen Jets

In a significant development, the Royal Thai Air Force has announced that it will be purchasing 12 Gripen fighter jets from Swedish defense company Saab, in a deal valued at $600 million. This decision marks a major setback for the US, which had been pushing to sell its F-16 fighter jets to Thailand. The Gripen jets are expected to be delivered to the Thai Air Force over the next few years, with the first batch arriving in 2026. The deal is seen as a major coup for Saab, which has been aggressively marketing its Gripen jets to countries in the region. The Thai Air Force had been evaluating the F-16 and Gripen jets for several years, before finally deciding to go with the Swedish-made aircraft. The decision is believed to have been influenced by the Gripen’s superior performance and lower operating costs. The F-16, on the other hand, has been in service for several decades and is considered to be an older design. The Thai Air Force is expected to use the Gripen jets for a variety of missions, including air defense and ground attack. The deal is also seen as a significant boost to the Thai-Swedish relationship, with the two countries expected to deepen their cooperation in the defense sector. The US, on the other hand, is likely to be disappointed by the decision, as it had been hoping to sell its F-16 jets to Thailand. The F-16 is one of the most widely used fighter jets in the world, with over 4,500 aircraft in service with various countries. However, the Gripen has been gaining popularity in recent years, with several countries opting for the Swedish-made jet over the F-16. The Thai Air Force’s decision to purchase the Gripen jets is seen as a major endorsement of the aircraft’s capabilities and is likely to influence the decisions of other countries in the region. The deal is also expected to have significant implications for the regional balance of power, with the Thai Air Force’s new Gripen jets giving it a significant advantage over its neighbors. The Thai government has stated that the decision to purchase the Gripen jets was based on a thorough evaluation of the aircraft’s capabilities and was not influenced by any external factors. The deal is expected to be finalized in the coming months, with the first batch of Gripen jets arriving in Thailand in 2026. The Thai Air Force is expected to begin training its pilots on the new aircraft soon, with the first squadron expected to be operational by 2028. The deal is seen as a major milestone in the development of the Thai Air Force, which has been modernizing its fleet in recent years. The Thai Air Force has stated that it is committed to maintaining its independence and sovereignty, and the purchase of the Gripen jets is seen as a key part of this strategy. The deal is also expected to have significant economic benefits for Thailand, with the country expected to save millions of dollars in operating costs over the life of the aircraft. The Gripen jets are expected to be used for a variety of missions, including air defense, ground attack, and reconnaissance. The Thai Air Force has stated that it is confident in the capabilities of the Gripen jets and is looking forward to integrating them into its fleet. The deal is seen as a major success for Saab, which has been working to promote its Gripen jets in the region for several years. The company has stated that it is committed to supporting the Thai Air Force and is looking forward to a long-term partnership with the country.

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