F-16 not dead yet in Thailand despite RTAF’s selection of Gripen
A Thai Saab JAS 39C/D Gripen fighter taking off from Darwin during Exercise Pitch Black. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
Lockheed Martin and Saab have both delivered updated offset proposals to Thailand’s air force with contracts yet to be signed on any deal.
A hard-fought Thai fighter competition between the F-16 and Gripen saw the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) announce selection of the latter. After 10 months of deliberations, the RTAF decided the Gripen E/F was the better platform to replace ageing F-16A/Bs in Korat-based 102 Squadron.
The relevant RTAF committee last month stated: “It can be concluded that the JAS 39 Gripen E/F attack fighter has the ability to meet the strategic needs of the air force.” This year’s RTAF White Paper listed a need for 12–14 fighters.
The Thai government still has to ratify the decision before any contract can
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Rafael highlights tailored effector solutions for different operational needs]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Rafael highlights tailored effector solutions for different operational needs
Shephard spoke with Rafael’s CEO about the company’s effector offerings as well as his perspective on one-way attack drones.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon]()
World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon
L3Harris has completed the production candidate software load for its Viper Shield airborne electronic warfare system and is conducting sea trials with its VAMPIRE counter-drone system.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability
The tests between a Republic of Singapore Air Force H225M and Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system were designed to allow the crew to receive and process real-time data from the UAS while maintaining direct command and control.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight
The Swedish government is expected to make a decision on the next steps of the Future Fighter System Concept programme by 2030, with the current second phase focusing on technology knowledge expansion and demonstration flights.
-
![Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities
In the wake of its 1,842% year-on-year revenue increase in Q4 2025, Red Cat sees mass opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region as the company eyes an ongoing production increase and market growth.
