Bangkok: The Air Force Commander is set to sign a contract with Sweden to purchase Gripen fighter jets on August 25th. The Royal Thai Navy is also preparing to explain its plans for a submarine engine replacement and the approval of a frigate purchase project after the Cabinet’s recent endorsement of three major defense projects.

According to Thai News Agency, Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee Pattanakul, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, confirmed that the Cabinet has approved the initial phase of procuring four Gripen E/F fighter jets valued at 19.5 billion baht. The Cabinet has tasked him with signing the agreement alongside SABB and the head of the military equipment unit. The signing ceremony, scheduled for August 25th in Sweden, will be witnessed by the Swedish Minister of Defense. Preparations for the contract are complete, adhering to United Nations international frameworks and guidelines. The government has ensured that all security concerns are addressed.

Regarding the Cabinet’s approval of the contract amendment for the submarine engine replacement, Admiral Jirapol Wongwit, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, indicated that the Cabinet has likely approved it. The proposal for the two frigates, which have been revised for approval, was also put forth by the Royal Thai Navy. Admiral Wongwit is awaiting the official outcome and will have the Royal Thai Navy’s Public Relations Division provide a detailed explanation.