Bangkok: Thailand and Sweden have formalized an agreement to commence the acquisition of Gripen E/F fighter jets, marking the first phase of a strategic defense partnership. The agreement, involving the procurement of four aircraft, was witnessed by key defense officials from both nations, including Maris Sngiampong, Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, and serves to bolster Thailand’s defense capabilities while promoting industrial development through an Offset Policy.
According to Thai News Agency, the agreement was signed at 12:20 PM local time in Bangkok, aligning with 5:20 PM in Thailand. The deal, valued at 19.5 billion baht, was endorsed by Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee Pattanakul, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, and Dr. Paul Jonsson, Minister of Defense of Sweden. This landmark agreement is designed to enhance the military strength of Thailand while simultaneously advancing the nation’s economic offset initiatives aimed at developing the domestic defense industry.
The signing ceremony encompassed three pivotal agreements. The primary contract for aircraft procurement was finalized between Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee and Michael Gr¡nholm, Director-General of the Swedish Defence Materiel Agency (FMV). Additionally, an Offset Policy Agreement was established between the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force and Lars Tossmann of Saab AB, the aircraft manufacturer. A separate internal agreement within Sweden was also concluded. The initial procurement of four jets represents the beginning of a larger plan to acquire 12 aircraft, intended to replace the aging fleet of F-16 fighter jets, with deliveries expected to commence in 2029.
Minister Maris highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to expanding Thailand’s defense industry, a priority that has persisted through successive administrations from Prime Minister Chatchai Thavisin to Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra. The objective is to ensure long-term benefits for the country, with the government acting as a facilitator and local businesses playing a crucial role in technology transfer to enhance national defense capabilities.
Furthermore, the Foreign Minister expressed that the agreement reinforces confidence in Sweden and the broader international community, particularly in the aftermath of recent Thai-Cambodian border clashes. He emphasized that Thailand’s military operations, conducted with Gripen aircraft, have strictly adhered to international laws, demonstrating the country’s commitment to peace and precision.
The Minister underscored the disparity in military objectives and tactics between Thailand and Cambodia, noting that Thailand’s operations focused on precision without encroachment on Cambodian territory, contrasting with Cambodia’s aggressive actions targeting civilians.
In conclusion, Minister Maris reiterated Thailand’s status as a peace-loving nation, akin to Sweden and the European Union. He stressed the importance of self-defense capabilities, with the Gripen aircraft purchase symbolizing the initiation of collaborative efforts with other peace-oriented countries to develop superior weapons capabilities, thereby enhancing Thailand’s standing in the international arena.