Latest news with #Swedish-made
The Hindu
05-08-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Thailand approves $600 million deal for Swedish fighter jets
Thailand approved the purchase of four Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets on Tuesday (August 5, 2025), the air force said, a week after reaching a ceasefire in deadly border clashes with Cambodia. The $600 million agreement for the Saab JAS 39 Gripens was first announced in June as part of a long-term plan to modernise the air force's combat capabilities. During five days of clashes with Cambodia that left more than 40 people dead, Thailand used its fleet of F-16s to strike military targets across the border. It was the deadliest border fighting between the two countries in decades. "The Cabinet has approved the purchase of JAS 39 Saab Gripen to strengthen the Royal Thai Air Force and protect Thailand's sovereignty," the air force said on its official Facebook page. A procurement committee began deliberations in August last year, concluding a 10-month review that favoured the Scandinavian-made jets over American F-16s. The kingdom already operates 11 older Gripens, as well as dozens of F-16s acquired in the 1980s. The country's total defence budget stands at 200 billion baht ($6 billion), which includes allocations for the army, navy and air force.
The Star
05-08-2025
- Business
- The Star
Thailand approves US$600mil deal for Swedish fighter jets
The US$600 million agreement for the Saab JAS 39 Gripens was first announced in June. - Photo: Reuters BANGKOK: Thailand approved the purchase of four Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets on Tuesday (Aug 5), the air force said, a week after reaching a ceasefire in deadly border clashes with Cambodia. The US$600 million agreement for the Saab JAS 39 Gripens was first announced in June as part of a long-term plan to modernise the air force's combat capabilities. During five days of clashes with Cambodia that left more than 40 people dead, Thailand used its fleet of F-16s to strike military targets across the border. It was the deadliest border fighting between the two countries in decades. 'The Cabinet has approved the purchase of JAS 39 Saab Gripen to strengthen the Royal Thai Air Force and protect Thailand's sovereignty,' the air force said on its official Facebook page. A procurement committee began deliberations in August 2024, concluding a 10-month review that favoured the Scandinavian-made jets over American F-16s. The kingdom already operates 11 older Gripens, as well as dozens of F-16s acquired in the 1980s. The country's total defence budget stands at 200 billion baht (S$8 billion), which includes allocations for the army, navy and air force. - AFP
Straits Times
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Thailand approves $774 million deal for Swedish fighter jets
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The US$600 million (S$774 million) agreement for the Saab JAS 39 Gripens was first announced in June. BANGKOK – Thailand approved the purchase of four Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets on Aug 5, the air force said, a week after reaching a ceasefire in deadly border clashes with Cambodia. The US$600 million (S$774 million) agreement for the Saab JAS 39 Gripens was first announced in June as part of a long-term plan to modernise the air force's combat capabilities. During five days of clashes with Cambodia that left more than 40 people dead, Thailand used its fleet of F-16s to strike military targets across the border. It was the deadliest border fighting between the two countries in decades. 'The Cabinet has approved the purchase of JAS 39 Saab Gripen to strengthen the Royal Thai Air Force and protect Thailand's sovereignty,' the air force said on its official Facebook page. A procurement committee began deliberations in August 2024, concluding a 10-month review that favoured the Scandinavian-made jets over American F-16s. The kingdom already operates 11 older Gripens, as well as dozens of F-16s acquired in the 1980s. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 'She had a whole life ahead of her': Boyfriend mourns Yishun fatal crash victim Singapore 60 lactation pods to be set up in public spaces by Q1 2026 for breastfeeding mothers Singapore Beauty industry consumers hit by 464% rise in prepayment losses in first half of 2025 Singapore 13 taken to hospital after accident involving SBS buses, car in Tampines Singapore Singapore-made bot matchmakes strangers virtually – without profile photos Life Urinary issues: Enlarged prostate affects half of men in their 50s and up Singapore Elderly man charged after he allegedly molested, performed sex act on 'vulnerable' man The country's total defence budget stands at 200 billion baht (S$8 billion), which includes allocations for the army, navy and air force. AFP
Hindustan Times
05-08-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Amid conflict with Cambodia, Thailand approves $600 million deal for Swedish fighter jets
Thailand approved the purchase of four Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets on Tuesday, the air force said, a week after reaching a ceasefire in deadly border clashes with Cambodia. The $600 million agreement for the Saab JAS 39 Gripens was first announced in June as part of a long-term plan to modernise the air force's combat capabilities.(Unspalsh/Representational) The $600 million agreement for the Saab JAS 39 Gripens was first announced in June as part of a long-term plan to modernise the air force's combat capabilities. During five days of clashes with Cambodia that left more than 40 people dead, Thailand used its fleet of F-16s to strike military targets across the border. It was the deadliest border fighting between the two countries in decades. "The cabinet has approved the purchase of JAS 39 Saab Gripen to strengthen the Royal Thai Air Force and protect Thailand's sovereignty," the air force said on its official Facebook page. A procurement committee began deliberations in August last year, concluding a 10-month review that favoured the Scandinavian-made jets over American F-16s. The kingdom already operates 11 older Gripens, as well as dozens of F-16s acquired in the 1980s. The country's total defence budget stands at 200 billion baht ($6 billion), which includes allocations for the army, navy and air force.
Bangkok Post
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Phumtham 'signed sub deal' before leaving post
Outgoing Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed he approved the long-delayed submarine procurement deal before stepping down, marking one of his final decisions in office. Speaking after a farewell ceremony at the ministry on Wednesday, Mr Phumtham said the deal was signed before the end of June in his other capacity as the deputy premier overseeing national security. "The submarine deal required my signature, and I approved it before June ended," he told reporters, adding the agreement is now awaiting placement on the cabinet agenda for final endorsement. The submarine deal, stalled for years due to political and logistical hurdles, was one of the key issues Mr Phumtham aimed to conclude during his nine-month tenure. However, he acknowledged the planned purchase of Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets could not be finalised in time and will be left for the incoming defence minister to handle. "Some matters could be completed, others couldn't. It is now the responsibility of my successor," he said. When asked about the vacant defence portfolio in the cabinet reshuffle, Mr Phumtham said the focus should not be on which party holds the post, but rather on selecting a capable and qualified candidate. "It used to belong to the Pheu Thai Party, but what matters more is choosing someone who can work effectively with the armed forces and protect national interests," he said. "Speculation the post will be vacant for three months is unfounded." He dismissed rumours about potential candidates, saying, "Please don't ask me about things I haven't heard. Any decision must be based on the suitability of the person for the role." Mr Phumtham is set to assume his new role as minister of interior following the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Thursday. He will retain the position of deputy prime minister. Reflecting on his time as defence minister, he said he prioritised cooperation with senior military commanders to improve welfare for lower-ranking personnel and raise morale within the armed forces. He added that several other matters -- including military housing development and structural reform of army personnel -- are progressing steadily.
