Latest news with #SaabJAS39Gripen
Bangkok Post
06-08-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Cabinet approves procurement of 4 Gripen jets from Sweden
The cabinet on Tuesday approved the purchase by the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) of four Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement. The first phase of the procurement, costing 19.5 billion baht, is expected to be finalised with a contract signing on Aug 25. According to government sources, the procurement is part of the RTAF's long-term strategic plan to enhance its operational capabilities and reduce reliance on ageing F-16 aircraft that have been in service for over 37 years. The modernisation plan runs from 2028 to 2035. The overall procurement will be divided into three phases, totalling 12 aircraft. The first phase comprises three Gripen E jets and one Gripen F, with delivery expected by 2029. Subsequent phases will bring the total to 12 aircraft by 2035–2036. The RTAF emphasised that the acquisition was being conducted transparently through a G2G process, with full auditability and adherence to an offset policy aimed at generating substantial economic returns, potentially worth hundreds of billions of baht, for Thailand. The Gripen E/F models are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, including Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, advanced electronic warfare systems and long-range Meteor missiles capable of beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements. Opposition Leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, of the People's Party, expressed no objection to the cabinet's approval of the procurement of the four new Gripen fighter jets. He said recent budget deliberations had already reflected the opposition's support for such acquisitions. However, he emphasized the need for the government to provide a clear strategic rationale behind the purchase. Background reports had earlier speculated that the Swedish government might suspend the sale of the Gripens given the border spat with Cambodia, during which Thailand used older-model Gripen jets to attack artillery positions. Both the Swedish embassy and the RTAF have denied the rumours, confirming that the procurement process remained on schedule. When the 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
Newsweek
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
NATO Scrambles Fighter Jets To Intercept Russian Bombers
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Sweden scrambled military aircraft in response to Russian fighter jets spotted over the southern parts of the Baltic Sea. Swedish Armed forces spokesperson Mikael Ågren said two JAS Gripen planes were deployed over Skåne and Malmö in response to the Russian aircraft which did not violate the airspace of NATO's newest member. The incident follows a series of Russian aircraft spotted flying in the region during NATO military exercises over the last two weeks and a warning by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul of further operations by Moscow to destabilize the region. Newsweek has contacted the Russian defense ministry and the Swedish Armed Forces for comment. This image from on April 8, 2025 a Swedish Air Force Saab JAS 39 Gripen jet fighter lands during the NATO's Ramstein Flag 2025 exercise at Leeuwarden Air Base. This image from on April 8, 2025 a Swedish Air Force Saab JAS 39 Gripen jet fighter lands during the NATO's Ramstein Flag 2025 exercise at Leeuwarden Air Base. JOHN THYS//Getty Images Why It Matters With Sweden's accession to the alliance, the Baltic Sea is dubbed a NATO Lake where members of the bloc surrounding the waters have reported a spike in Russian military activity. Sweden's deployment of aircraft is the latest sign of tensions in the Baltic region. What To Know Ågren said that Sweden's military deployed two JAS Gripen planes over Skåne and Malmö at 6:15 p.m. on Friday. He said the operation was not part of a scheduled exercise and during a regular patrol by Swedish forces near the borders, Russian Sukhoi Su-30 planes were detected in international airspace. Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet said it had received calls from readers who had seen three Swedish fighter planes over the Stockholm region. Ågren said that there had been increased activity in the region and sightings of military aircraft over the Baltic Sea have become more frequent in recent weeks. But he said people should not be concerned is they hear Swedish planes in the sky because "it's the sound of freedom you hear." The incident comes as NATO's Baltops-25 exercises were coming to an end in the Baltic region which involved over 40 ships, 25 aircraft and approximately 9,000 personnel. During this period, there was a spike in Russian military flights operating close to NATO airspace and U.K. Royal Air Force Typhoon jets based in Poland were scrambled six times in as many days in response. Meanwhile, video posted on social media showed a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 fighter jet releasing flares over a U.S. Navy ship in international waters in the region. What People Are Saying Swedish Armed forces spokesperson Mikael Ågren: "It's a signal to show that we've seen them and that we're on our toes, even on Midsummer's we do, we do for the sake of freedom. "We need to keep track of which aircraft are in our vicinity, and then we need to go up and identify them sometimes. Today we did that and even got pictures of them." German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul: "These hybrid operations and military provocations are dangerous. They are designed to destabilize our societies and to test our ability to respond." What Happens Next Wadephul warned on Friday that the Baltic Sea region is becoming a dangerous hotspot where Russia's aggressive hybrid activities "are undermining our peace and security". In anticipation of further Russian operations in the region, NATO announced in January the launch of Baltic Sentry to bolster the alliance's military presence in the Baltic Sea.
