The Saab JAS 39 Gripen E will replace the Royal Thai Air Force’s F-16A/B aircraft, marking a turning point in Thailand’s air defence.

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has selected the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E to replace its ageing fleet of F-16A/B aircraft. The choice of Gripen over Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Fighting Falcon involves the delivery of 12-14 Gripen Es over several years, subject to budgetary approval by the Thai government. This strategic move follows on from Thailand’s previous Gripen acquisitions in 2007 and 2010. In addition, the US may offer additional F-16s through a ‘loan’ arrangement, seeking to strengthen relations with Bangkok.

The ageing F-16A/B fleet

The RTAF’s current fleet is made up of F-16A/B fighter jets which, although robust and reliable, are beginning to show signs of ageing. The F-16s, which entered service in the 1970s, have a range of 4,220 km and a top speed of Mach 2 (2,450 km/h). However, they are becoming increasingly expensive to maintain, and their performance is declining in the face of modern threats. The replacement of these aircraft with the more modern Gripen E is designed to maintain the RTAF’s operational effectiveness while reducing maintenance costs over the long term.

Selection of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E

The RTAF’s selection of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E is based on a number of key criteria. Firstly, Gripen E is known for its ability to operate in a variety of climatic conditions, including the hot and humid environments of Thailand. With a range of 4,000 km and a top speed of Mach 2 (2,470 km/h), Gripen E offers comparable performance to the F-16, while incorporating more recent technologies. In addition, its operating costs are estimated at around €4,700 per flying hour, compared with €7,000 for the F-16, representing substantial savings for the RTAF.

Delivery and budget constraints

Gripen E will be delivered to Thailand in batches of four aircraft over a number of years, subject to budgetary approval by the Thai government. This staggered process allows the RTAF to manage financial constraints more effectively while gradually integrating the new aircraft into its fleet. This approach also ensures a smooth transition and enables pilots and maintenance personnel to be trained in the use and maintenance of the new fighters.

Technical comparison: F-16 vs. Gripen E

In technical terms, the F-16 and Gripen E have similar characteristics, but with some notable differences. The F-16, although slightly faster, uses a Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine with 129.4 kN thrust. The Gripen E, on the other hand, is powered by a General Electric F414G engine with 98 kN thrust, but it makes up for this difference with better avionics and more advanced electronic warfare systems. Gripen E is also equipped with the PS-05/A Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, offering improved detection and greater resistance to electronic countermeasures.

Strategic implications of buying Gripen E

Thailand’s purchase of Gripen E has important strategic implications. On the one hand, it enhances Thailand’s air defence capabilities, allowing it to better secure its airspace and respond more effectively to potential threats. Secondly, it reflects a desire to diversify international defence partnerships, thereby reducing dependence on the United States.

The role of the United States in Thailand’s defence strategy

Despite the choice of Gripen E, the US continues to play a key role in Thailand’s defence strategy. The proposed ‘loan’ of F-16 aircraft from the US is designed to maintain and strengthen the defence links between the two nations. This strategic rapprochement is crucial in the context of Thailand’s evolving relationship with China. The delivery of additional F-16 aircraft could complement the capabilities of the Gripen E, providing a flexible and robust combination of combat aircraft.

JAS 39 Gripen history and development

The JAS 39 Gripen was developed to replace the older Saab 35 Viggen and Saab 37 Draken aircraft. The project began in the 1970s with the aim of creating an aircraft capable of fighter, ground attack and reconnaissance missions. In 1982, the Swedish Parliament decided to pursue this national project after evaluating several foreign aircraft, including the American F-16 and F-18. Gripen is the result of an industrial collaboration involving Saab, Volvo Aero Corporation, and other Swedish companies, making it Sweden’s first multi-role fighter aircraft.

Gripen successes and exports

Since its first flight in 1988 and entry into service in 1997, Gripen has enjoyed considerable success, with 158 aircraft produced to date. In addition to Sweden, a number of other countries have adopted Gripen, including Brazil, the Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa and Thailand. The UK also uses Gripen for pilot training. These exports are testament to the aircraft’s versatility and reliability in a variety of operational environments.

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