Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee Patanakun, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, signed a government-to-government (G2G) contract with Sweden’s FMV and Saab for the purchase of Gripen E/F fighter jets to strengthen national defense.
The agreements were signed with Mr. Mikael Granholm, Director General of FMV, and Mr. Micael Johansson, CEO of Saab, as well as Mr. Lars Tossman, Head of Business Area Aeronautics, Saab. Thai Foreign Minister Mr. Maris Sangiampong served as a witness to the signing at 12:20 PM at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm on 25th August 2025.
The procurement project, named “Peace Burapha”, will see the new fighter jets enter service in 2029, assigned to Wing 102, Air Force Base 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima, to secure Thailand’s eastern and northeastern borders.
Unless we get any of the Thai Gripen Es made or at least confirmation about the exact configuration of it I don’t think we’ll see them at the same time. The Swedish one could be added any update now, while the Thai one still leaves some questions unanswered.
I mean worst case they can just slap a Thai skin on it with markings copy and paste as the Swedish one and then later on when the actual thai one comes they can update the model and armament (if it will even be needed to since i dont expect much differences)
Interesting. According to Saab’s website, Gripen E/F deliveries will take place from 2025 to 2030. Does that mean Thailand will receive at least one this year?
there’s a possibility they might get one this year for training, depends on the lead times, which aren’t public as far as I can tell. Do keep in mind the contract also includes ancillary equipment and training, which might arrive before airframes. TLDR: We’ll find out when we find out IG
I’ve been away from writing long forum posts for quite some time due to increasing work responsibilities, which left me with little time to contribute. But this time, I’m back to greet everyone once again.
I kindly ask for everyone’s cooperation to refrain from posting documents or information that contain sensitive or classified military details, manuals, or other restricted materials—except for those officially released and approved by the military. This is for the appropriateness of our War Thunder community and for the safety of all personnel involved with the armed forces.
We play this game for entertainment, so let’s enjoy it and share information within reasonable boundaries—without compromising safety or classified matters.
I hope everyone has a great time playing Thai vehicles in the upcoming Tusk Force update!
Nikolai_Kachorn
A Thai poster from the World War II era about “Don’t Talk About Military Secrets”
Phra Khru Palat Sakkaphong Mantakhamo (Phra Ajarn Sek) from Lan Tham Thad Thong Sukho, Nong Saeng District, Udon Thani Province, performed a blessing ceremony on the cockpit panel of the ALPHA JET TH attack aircraft, tail number 23143, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the induction of the Type 7 attack aircraft, or ALPHA JET, into service with the Royal Thai Air Force.
