# Thailand’s Air Force Favors Gripen Fighters Over F-16 Purchases

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/national/158745-thailands-air-force-favors-gripen-fighters-over-f-16-purchases
- Published: 2024-08-29T09:25:27+07:00
- Author: Bahar Karaman

**Thailand’s military endorsed the Saab Gripen E/F for its next fighter jet, marking
a significant step towards modernization, with a budget of $560 million for four
jets by 2029.**

Thailand’s military has endorsed the Saab Gripen E/F as its preferred choice for
a next-generation fighter jet, a decision deemed “very positive” yet preliminary
by Saab. The Thai Air Force’s public support positions the Gripen favorably over
its competitor, Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Block 70/72. While this approval is significant,
the final decision rests with the government.

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Saab expressed optimism, noting that no contract is finalized yet, but they are 
eager to continue discussions with the Royal Thai Air Force regarding future capabilities.
A previous inclination toward the Gripen had been reported, but today’s announcement
marks an official endorsement.

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The Thai government has allocated around $560 million to acquire four new jets by
2029, with plans for an additional eight. The existing fleet includes older Gripen
and F-16 models, which should ease pilots’ transition to the new fighters.

**Source** : [Thailand’s air force supports buying Gripen fighters over F-16](https://breakingdefense.com/2024/08/thailands-air-force-supports-buying-gripen-fighters-over-f-16/?rand=157030)