On the 4th of October, Thailand announced its plan to procure the first four units of the Swedish Saab JAS-39E/F Gripen fighters, aiming to gradually replace its existing F-16A/B aircraft over the next decade to enhance modernization efforts. The plan is expected to be submitted to the Thai cabinet in July and finalized by the end of August.

According to reports from the military news site 'Breaking Defense', Thai Air Force Commander Prapas revealed this news at a press conference. The order includes three single-seat JAS-39E and one twin-seat JAS-39F, along with the procurement of Meteor missiles and an upgrade to the Saab 340 early warning aircraft fleet.

This plan will be submitted for cabinet approval in mid-July, with contracts expected to be signed as early as August. Thailand plans to gradually acquire a total of 12 new fighters over the next decade, with the first four representing the initial phase and an additional eight to be purchased by 2034.

Reports indicate that the Royal Thai Air Force currently operates over 50 F-16A/B fighters, more than ten JAS-39C/D, and over twenty F-5 series aircraft. The JAS-39E/F, improved from the JAS-39C/D, offers competitive pricing and ensures continuity in logistics support and training, making it a more strategically suitable option than the U.S. Lockheed Martin's F-16 Blk70, hence its selection as the next-generation main aircraft of the Thai military. Saab has also confirmed its collaboration with the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) to discuss contract and procurement processes with Thai authorities.