Thailand has agreed to purchase three Gripen E and one Gripen F aircraft from Sweden, along with training, equipment, and logistical support. The announcement was made during an official Thai delegation visit to Stockholm on August 25.
The agreement was signed by Thailand’s Royal Air Force Commander-in-Chief Punpakdee Pattanakul, Swedish Defence Materiel Administration Director General Mikael Granholm, and Saab President and CEO Micael Johansson, the manufacturer of the aircraft. Swedish Minister for Defence Pål Jonson and Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa were present at the signing ceremony.
Swedish officials noted the strategic importance of the deal. Minister Jonson stated that the export underlines Sweden’s technological capacity and supports long-term cooperation with Thailand. Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard emphasized that global security concerns highlight the role of a strong defense industry in supporting both Sweden’s security and its international partnerships.
Additional agreements may follow, as the Swedish Parliament has authorized the government to negotiate with Thailand on the potential sale of up to 12 Gripen E/F aircraft.
The cooperation between Sweden and Thailand in air defense has been established for many years. Thailand has previously purchased 12 Gripen C/D aircraft from Sweden. With this latest acquisition, Thailand becomes the third nation to procure the Gripen E/F series, after Sweden and Brazil.
(Source: Government Offices of Sweden)
