Thai air force opts for Swedish Gripen jets over US F-16s

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) announced its decision to acquire Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, opting for these over US-made F-16s.

A committee within the RTAF reached this conclusion after examining additional details submitted by both contenders. The review, which occurred yesterday, August 27, focused heavily on offsets such as technology transfer and training, key factors in the Thai military’s procurement strategy. Air Chief Marshal Phanphakdee Phattanakul shared this information in a statement.

“After reviewing all the factors, the panel chose the Gripen E/F over the F-16 Block 70/72 jets.”

The next step involves preparing documents to explain the decision and details provided by the manufacturers—Saab from Sweden and Lockheed Martin from the US—to the public and superiors within the military structure.

The RTAF aims to purchase four new fighter jets to begin replacing a dozen ageing F-16s slated for decommissioning soon. Sources indicate that the RTAF had previously shown a preference for the Gripen.

Final approval for the procurement now rests with the new defence minister and the Cabinet, which is expected to be formed in the coming days following the recent election of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Phanphakdee expressed confidence in the RTAF’s choice, highlighting that the new aircraft would significantly enhance the RTAF’s capabilities, reported Bangkok Post.

“The new fighter jets will deliver maximum benefits regarding the nation’s security and protecting its sovereignty.”

UPDATE: Thai Air Force to announce new fighter jet choice this week

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is set to reveal its choice for a new fighter jet model by the end of the week, as announced by ACM Panpakdee Pattanakul. The decision aims to modernise the ageing fleet.

Currently, the RTAF is considering the Swedish-made Gripen E-model and the US-made F-16 Block 70 jets. Saab AB, the manufacturer of the Gripen, and Lockheed Martin, which produces the F-16, have both submitted their final proposals, which include an offset policy mandated by the Thai government.

Two panels have been established to scrutinise these proposals thoroughly. ACM Panpakdee indicated that the combined conclusions of these panels would influence the final decision.

“We are ensuring that the right jet is selected for our needs.”

A source close to the procurement process suggested that the RTAF’s main procurement committee is leaning towards the Gripen. The selection committee had earlier expressed a preference for the Gripen over the F-16. In July, the RTAF disclosed that it was considering the Swedish jets following a study by its procurement committee, which found the Gripen to be the most suitable for its requirements.

As part of its offer, the Swedish manufacturer is providing access to its tactical data link, which the RTAF intends to use in future operations. The RTAF has also developed a plan to further its version of this technology, known as Link T. Additionally, Sweden has proposed upgrading the RTAF’s 340 AEW air security surveillance radar system at no extra cost, a service typically valued at around 5 billion baht.

The RTAF remains hopeful that the new Cabinet will endorse its selection.

The RTAF’s decision is eagerly anticipated, with both the Swedish and American manufacturers waiting to see if their proposals will secure the contract, reported Bangkok Post.

ORIGINAL STORY: Thailand undecided between Swedish Gripen and US F-16 jets

Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed the government remains undecided on whether to select the Swedish-made Gripen or the US-made F-16 for the Royal Thai Air Force‘s (RTAF) new fighter jet procurement project.

Details of the required offset policy from Saab AB and Lockheed Martin, manufacturers of the Gripen E/F and the F-16 Block 70/72 respectively, are still pending, according to the prime minister yesterday.

The offset policy is a crucial factor that, along with other reciprocal benefits, will influence the fighter jet procurement decision, PM Srettha stated. The armed forces have been instructed to consider these benefits carefully as part of their evaluation process.

“No conclusion has been made at this point as the offset policy details have yet to be submitted.

“However, I will try to get this done as soon as possible while encouraging these two companies to try their very best.”

“This isn’t a small amount of money. So, we have to achieve the maximum benefit for the public interest.”

The 62 year old ex-Thai premier did not specify when a decision would be made, citing uncertainty about the urgency of the procurement project.

“If we are not ready or there is a lack of information needed to make a decision, we won’t rush it”

Despite asserting that the government does not interfere in the RTAF’s decision-making process, the prime minister confirmed that the final decision must be agreeable to both the RTAF and the government.

A committee within the RTAF has indicated a preference for the Gripen, Srettha mentioned. Additionally, he disclosed that he had contacted Robert Godec, the US ambassador to Thailand, on July 15 to expedite the submission of offset policy details related to the F-16 procurement.

The Bangkok-born then-prime minister stressed the importance of conducting a thorough comparison between the Gripen E/F and the F-16 Block 70/72, reported Bangkok Post.

Lockheed Martin announced on July 15 that it would continue to provide economic value to Thailand through a strong industrial participation or offset proposal, driven by the Thai government’s assessment of the F-16s.