The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is reportedly considering purchasing three JAS-39 Gripen fighters from Sweden's Saab after the US rejected Lockheed Martin's bid to acquire the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II. Hello welcome back to our channel. Today’s video is about the Royal Thailand Air Force procurement of additional Jas-39 Gripen. Before we start, subscribe to our channel, like and share our video. Let’s start.
The Bangkok Post published this based on information disclosed by an RTAF source on June 15, 2023.The RTAF previously purchased 12 JAS-39C D Gripen fighters, all of which were delivered in 2013, although one was destroyed in an airshow accident in 2017.The RTAF has yet to organize a panel to determine and pick a successor for their F-16 Fighting Falcons, which are early-model F-16A B OCU and ADF versions that have been in service since the late 1980s.
As an alternative to the F-35A Lightning II, the US was believed to have proposed to sell the 4.5-generation F-16 Block 70 72 Viper and F-15EX Eagle II fighters to the RTAF to prepare it for future F-35A acquisitions. However, it appears that the Thai government is unwilling to commit to funding such a program. Aside from the F-35A's long delivery lead time, which is reported to be close to ten years, the US expects Thailand to build and furnish certain infrastructure and facilities for F-35A support, training, and security.
Instead, it only has enough to buy a small number of fighters, with the JAS-39 Gripen being considered because it currently operates the type and would not need the construction of extra infrastructure. It has not been determined whether Thailand is interested in the older JAS-39C D Gripen or the newer JAS-39E F Gripen. The former is already out of production, although old aircraft from the Swedish Air Force might be obtained. The latter has already begun production and is available for export, with Brazil being the variant's first export customer of the E and F variant.
This is likely to be determined by the present negotiations between Saab and the Philippine government since Saab currently has 14 unfinished but new JAS-39C/D Gripen airframes that it is selling to the Philippines. If this does not go through, these Gripens may be sold to other countries, including current users like Thailand.
Thailand's purchase of JAS-39 Gripen
Thailand's Parliament authorized the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to spend up to 34 billion baht (US$1.1 billion) to replace the country's existing Northrop F-5 fleet in 2007. In February 2008, the RTAF ordered six Gripens (two single-seat C-models and four two-seat D-models) from Saab; deliveries began in 2011. Thailand ordered six more Gripen Cs in November 2010; deliveries began in 2013.
The first of the six aircraft was delivered on February 22, 2011. Saab delivered three Gripens in April 2013 and three more in September 2013. In September 2013, RTAF Marshal Prajin Jantong stated that Thailand is interested in purchasing six more aircraft in the near future, pending government approval. The Gripen Integrated Air Defense System was to be officially launched by the armed services in 2014.
Philippines negotiation with Sweden and Saab for JAS-39 Gripen
The Philippines and Sweden have agreed that the former will acquire new fighter planes as part of the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) multi-role fighter purchase initiative.During a trip to Singapore, Secretary of National Defense Carlito Galvez Jr. and Swedish Defense Minister Pl Jonson signed a memorandum of agreement. This follows Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreo's visit to Sweden in late May to see the Saab factory."The agreement opens up opportunities for Swedish defense industries to participate in the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization program, as well as possible joint initiatives in support of the Philippines' thrust to achieve a self-reliant defense posture," said the Department of National Defense in a statement.
credit source /photo/video
Bangkok Times
Lockheed Martin
Saab
