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?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![Netherlands commits €400 million into drones for Ukraine defence]()
Netherlands commits €400 million into drones for Ukraine defence
The Netherlands has already spent approximately €4 billion so far in military support to Ukraine.
-
![Thailand-bound AH-6i helicopter completes first flight]()
Thailand-bound AH-6i helicopter completes first flight
A total of eight aircraft will replace the Royal Thai Army’s ageing AH-IF Cobra fleet as part of a contract deal worth US$103.8 million.
-
![Raytheon to develop Next-Gen Jammer upgrade for US navy under $192million deal]()
Raytheon to develop Next-Gen Jammer upgrade for US navy under $192million deal
The development of the Next-Generation Jammer Mid-Band system and its expansion upgrade will be a joint effort between the Royal Australian Air Force and US Navy to meet emerging electronic warfare threats.
