Latest news with #Gripen
Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Bangkok Post
Thailand's Gripen fighters first ever to be used in actual combat
When the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) deployed JAS 39C/D Gripen fighter jets in strikes against Cambodia on July 26, it was the first time the Swedish built warplane had ever been used in combat The jets were used against Cambodian artillery firing on Thai positions along their disputed border. Two Gripen jets flew alongside Thailand's older F-16 Fighting Falcons. The mission was said to have been successful, with all aircraft returning safely to base. The Gripen was developed by Sweden's Saab AB under the 'Smart Fighter' concept and is designed for network-centric warfare. It can seamlessly integrate with the radar systems, ground stations and other aircraft used in real-time operations. Since first integrated into the RTAF fleet in 2011, Thailand's Gripens had until July 26 been used exclusively for training exercises, air shows and border patrol. The Gripen is also flown by the Czech Republic, Brazil, Hungary and South Africa, but it was the first time the jets have been used in real combat anywhere in the world. The Gripen was chosen for its advanced technology, multi-role capability and ability to operate from short runways and small airfields - giving it agility and strategic versatility on the battlefield.
Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thai army urges calm amid Cambodian long-range rocket talk
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has urged the public to remain calm following widespread reports that Cambodia may deploy long-range rocket launchers capable of striking targets within a 130-kilometre radius. The army said there is no confirmation regarding the location or likelihood of such deployment. Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said the reports stem from unverified intelligence and there is currently no indication of any deployment or targeting of PHL-03 rocket launchers. His remarks came in response to social media warnings issued to residents in several northeastern provinces, including Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Buri Ram, as well as parts of Yasothon, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, and Nakhon Ratchasima. Citizens were urged to stay alert and follow the news. In response, the Royal Thai Air Force deployed F-16 and Gripen fighter jets to neutralise artillery positions near the Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom temple areas.
Focus Malaysia
3 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Thailand-Cambodia border clash enters third day, dozens dead and thousands displaced
HEAVY artillery exchanges between Thailand and Cambodia have entered their third consecutive day, deepening a border conflict that has so far resulted in at least 33 fatalities and displaced over 150,000 individuals from their homes. The skirmishes, initially triggered in Thailand's coastal Trat province along the Gulf of Thailand, have since expanded to affect six Thai provinces. The situation remains tense, with communities near the frontline reporting the ongoing sounds of shelling. Reporters from AFP stationed in Samraong, a Cambodian town close to the heart of the conflict, noted audible artillery fire on Sunday evening. Similar reports came from Thai civilians sheltering in bunkers in Si Sa Ket, one of the hardest-hit regions. 'I just want this nightmare to be over,' said local resident Sutian Phiewchan via a phone interview. Cambodian authorities allege that Thai forces have widened their assaults, targeting civilian structures, including schools, places of worship, and residential zones, a move Cambodia views as a clear escalation. The Khmer Times, quoting Ministry of Defence spokesperson Maly Socheata, stated that Thai artillery fire reached beyond officially contested areas. Thailand has refuted these claims, insisting its strikes are strictly focused on military objectives. The Royal Thai Air Force confirmed the deployment of two F-16s and two Gripen fighter jets on Sunday afternoon. Their mission: to neutralise Cambodian military positions in Phu Makua, Si Sa Ket — an area the Thai army reportedly reclaimed earlier the same day. Thai forces also engaged Cambodian positions in Surin province, specifically at Prasat Ta Muean Thom, where enemy troops and artillery had been stationed. Both locations were reportedly neutralised, with all Thai aircraft returning safely. Clashes were also documented in Sa Kaeo, bringing the total number of affected Thai provinces to six. While both sides have expressed a willingness to consider a ceasefire, mutual distrust continues to derail negotiations. Each government accuses the other of obstructing peace efforts, according to the Bangkok Post. The Thai military has urged residents in border areas to remain on high alert amid concerns that Cambodia may launch long-range missiles sourced from China, with capabilities of reaching up to 130 kilometres. A Thai defence attaché in Beijing, Siwat Rattana-Ananta, met with Chinese officials earlier this week. He was assured that no new arms shipments have been made to Cambodia since the conflict began, and that any weapons currently in use were acquired under previous deals. Cambodia's military modernisation efforts have been heavily supported by China, through both financial and logistical aid — including upgrades to the Ream Naval Base and joint military training. Thailand, in contrast, is a long-time strategic ally of the United States and maintains a fleet of American and Swedish-made fighter jets and advanced armoured vehicles. Cambodia's Defence Ministry announced that 13 of its nationals, including eight civilians and five soldiers, have died since the fighting reignited on Thursday, with 71 others injured. Thai officials reported a similar toll: 13 civilian deaths, seven military fatalities, and 33 additional injuries. The death toll has now exceeded that of the last major military standoff between the two countries, which took place between 2008 and 2011. In terms of displacement, Thai authorities estimate over 138,000 people have fled their homes, while more than 35,000 Cambodians have been rendered homeless. Speaking at an emergency UN Security Council session in New York, Cambodia's ambassador Chhea Keo urged for a swift and unconditional ceasefire, calling for a peaceful solution to the crisis. 'Cambodia seeks an immediate cessation of hostilities, without preconditions, and calls for diplomatic resolution,' he stated. Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa responded by saying talks can only proceed if Cambodia demonstrates 'genuine sincerity' in wanting to end hostilities. Both governments continue to accuse each other of initiating the recent bout of violence. Cambodia further claims that Thailand has employed cluster munitions, while Thailand alleges that Cambodian forces have targeted civilian infrastructure, including a hospital, petrol station, and a 7-Eleven convenience store in Si Sa Ket, the latter of which was reportedly struck by a rocket, resulting in eight civilian deaths. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra visited displaced residents at a shelter in Ubon Ratchathani, expressing support for those affected. 'The military must complete its mission before any political dialogue can begin,' he told the press. —July 27, 2025 Main image: Al Jazeera
Bangkok Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Conflict spreads to six Thai provinces
Thailand and Cambodia pounded each other with heavy artillery fire for a third day on Saturday, as a border conflict that has killed at least 33 people and displaced more than 150,000 from their homes spread across the contested frontier. Clashes broke out for the first time in the coastal region of Trat where the countries' borders meet on the Gulf of Thailand, around 250 kilometres southwest of the main frontlines that echoed with blasts on Saturday afternoon. AFP journalists in the Cambodian town of Samraong, near the border that has seen the bulk of the fighting, heard the thump of artillery early Saturday afternoon. A Thai villager reached by phone as he sheltered in a bunker in Si Sa Ket province, just 10 kilometres from the frontier, also reported hearing artillery. 'I just want this to end as soon as possible,' Sutian Phiewchan told AFP. Cambodia has accused Thai forces of expanding the offensive deep into its territory against non-military targets including schools, pagodas and residential areas. Thai forces fired heavy artillery shells into several Cambodian areas outside the conflict zone, Khmer Times reported, citing its defence ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata. Thailand has denied targeting non-military sites. (Story continues below) New air strike The Royal Thai Air Force said it sent two F-16s and two Gripen fighter jets to attack Cambodian military targets in the Phu Makua area of Si Sa Ket on Saturday afternoon to intercept Cambodian ballistic weapons. The site had been retaken by Thai troops earlier in the day. Another target was the area of Prasat Ta Muean Thom in Surin, where Cambodian soldiers had set up artillery and personnel to fire into Thailand. The operation successfully destroyed targets at both locations and the aircraft returned to base safely, the air force said. On Saturday, the Thai army also reported clashes in Sa Kaeo, bringing the number of border provinces involved to six out of seven. Both sides say they are open to a truce in the combat now being fought with jets, tanks and ground troops, but have accused the other of undermining efforts to bring about a ceasefire. The Thai army asked people in its border areas to remain vigilant amid concerns that Cambodia may launch Chinese-made missiles capable of reaching targets in a 130km range, according to a post on Facebook. Siwat Rattana-Ananta, the Thai army attache in Beijing, met with Chinese officials on Friday and was assured that the country hasn't supplied Cambodia any fresh weapons since the start of the clash. All the weapons used by Phnom Penh are from prior deals, he said. Cambodia has relied on China in recent years for modernising its defence sector which includes financial and infrastructure support for the renovation of the Ream Naval Base, as well as extensive military cooperation through joint drills and equipment. In contrast, Thailand — a long-time US treaty ally — boasts squadrons of F-16 and Swedish-made Gripen combat jets and modern tanks. (Story continues below) Tensions over temples Tensions initially flared over long-contested ancient temple sites before fighting spread along the rural border region, marked by a ridge of hills surrounded by jungle and agricultural land where local residents farm mostly rubber and rice. Cambodia's defence ministry said on Saturday that 13 people had been confirmed killed in the fighting since Thursday, including eight civilians and five soldiers, with 71 people wounded. Thai authorities said 13 civilians and seven soldiers had been killed on their side, with 33 injured. The death toll across both nations is now higher than it was in the last major round of fighting between 2008 and 2011. The conflict has also forced more than 138,000 people to be evacuated from Thailand's border regions, and more than 35,000 driven from their homes in Cambodia. After an urgent UN Security Council meeting in New York on Friday, Cambodia's UN ambassador Chhea Keo said his country wanted a ceasefire. 'Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire — unconditionally — and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute,' he told reporters. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said Saturday that for any ceasefire or talks to proceed, Cambodia needed to show 'genuine sincerity in ending the conflict'. Both sides have blamed the other for firing first. (Story continues below) Trading accusations Additionally, Cambodia has accused Thai forces of using cluster munitions, while Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital hit by shells and a petrol station and 7-Eleven in Si Sa Ket struck by at least one rocket, killing eight civilians. Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra visited shelters in Ubon Ratchathani on Saturday to meet evacuees. 'The military needs to complete its operations before any dialogue can take place,' Thaksin told reporters.
The Citizen
23-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
SA's military proves resilience despite the odds
Despite budget cuts and ageing equipment, the SANDF continues to perform with dedication and distinction at home and abroad. It was either American novelist Mark Twain or British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli who famously wrote that there are three kinds of lies; lies, damned lies and statistics, which proves just how difficult it is to get to the truth. It is easy to twist facts to fit convenient narratives, but for the truth to emerge, it is vital for these narratives to be tested against other truths. In the war for survival, the South African National Defence Force's (SANDF) greatest foe is disinformation in the battle for hearts and minds, not enemy soldiers taking aim at our members. There is no doubt that the majority of our key equipment is on average 40 years old, nor that our air force is struggling to maintain serviceable fighter capacity, nor that our navy has maintenance challenges. But what this narrative does not include is the fact that the threat that our country faces is of a very different profile from the insurgency war of liberation that ended 40 years ago and, indeed, of the conventional wars of invasion and attrition in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. This narrative also forgets that our prime mission equipment is very well maintained despite its age and budgetary constraints, as evidenced every year during our live fire all arms brigade-strength exercises at the Army Combat Training Centre in Lohatla in the Northern Cape. The doomsayers' narrative also ignores the fact that while the median age of all serving members might be as high as 40, the average age of those in our special forces and airborne is well within international norms and that these members conduct themselves in an exemplary fashion across Africa, winning the respect of other militaries. ALSO READ: From tiger to a pouncing police cat? Ramaphosa is remixing the 'corrupt' until a new caretaker arrives As for our navy, we have budgetary challenges with the mid-term refits for our frigates and submarines, but we have also made great strides through the construction and acquisition of our littoral multimission in-shore patrol vessels and the building and acquiring of SAS Nelson Mandela, the navy's new hydrographic vessel. Our air force remains a concern. We have severe constraints with our transport fleet while our Gripen fighter squadrons have well documented woes, because of a lack of budget. This is perhaps the crux of the matter. As successive ministers of defence and the chiefs of the various arms of service and the chief of the SANDF have said time and again over the past seven years, the SANDF is woefully underfunded by international norms. Prior to the ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe which have pushed defence spend beyond 5% of GDP among Nato countries, the average norm was 2%. In South Africa, it's traditionally 1% or less and currently below 0.7% of GDP is budgeted for our defence needs. The biggest question that has to be asked before anyone starts any debate is simple: what kind of defence force should South Africa have? The second question is just as important: how much is SA prepared to pay for the defence force it thinks it wants? ALSO READ: 'A coup is not discussed on social media': Holomisa says no need to press panic buttons The fact that we have a functioning people's defence force that has smashed glass ceilings, created opportunities and does more and more with less is a story that should be told. It is easy to fixate on vehicle parks of redundant and superannuated equipment, but ignore the work being done every day inside our borders on humanitarian missions and beyond on peacekeeping missions, where there are no media or influencers to tell that story. For an organisation that works cheek by jowl with danger, deploying into perilous situations, our members execute their tasks commendably and most return safely afterwards. Critics would have you believe the SANDF is a shambles, wholly unfit for purpose and a waste of taxpayers' funds. Nothing could be further from the truth – and our proud record since our founding more than 30 years ago is stark testimony to precisely that. The SANDF and the department of defence do have problems. In typical age-old South African style, we have made a plan and it has got us this far. All we ask is that the critics take that into account when they step into glasshouses and pick up stones to lob. NOW READ: NPA to appeal bail ruling in case of 12 SANDF soldiers accused of killing Hawks investigator
