The signing of the first-phase procurement contract for Gripen E/F fighter aircrafts between Thailand and Sweden marks a significant milestone in the defence partnership between the two countries, reflecting a mutual commitment to enhancing defence capabilities, fostering technological collaboration, and supporting industrial cooperation in the defence sectors.
In August 2025, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, together with Mr. Pål Jonson, Minister for Defence of Sweden, witnessed the signing of this historic agreement. Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, Chief of Command of the Royal Thai Air Force, represented Thailand as the official signatory. This procurement contract is expected to strengthen the defence partnership between the two countries, enhancing regional stability and security.
The Offset Policy Agreement, which accompanies the procurement contract, opens up new avenues of cooperation in areas that are crucial for Thailand's long-term development, including education and skills training, technology transfer, food and agriculture innovation, green transition, and cybersecurity. This policy shift is a significant departure from traditional defence partnerships, where offsets were often seen as mere cost-saving measures.
Thailand and Sweden have been strengthening their defence partnership in recent years, with Sweden providing training and capacity-building assistance to the Royal Thai Air Force. The recent deal marks a major leap forward in this partnership, with both countries committing to enhanced cooperation in areas beyond traditional defence capabilities.
The Gripen E/F fighter aircraft is a highly advanced air superiority platform, capable of performing a range of tasks, from air-to-air combat to reconnaissance and ground attack missions. The aircraft's advanced avionics and propulsion systems make it an ideal choice for modernising Thailand's air force.
Thailand's decision to partner with Sweden on the Gripen E/F programme reflects its commitment to enhancing regional stability and security. The agreement is also seen as a strategic move by Thailand to strengthen its position in the region, particularly in relation to China's growing military presence.
In an interview with Foreign Policy Watchdog, Dr. Natapolt Panyarachun, Director of the Thai-MIT Center for Southeast Asian Studies, noted that "the Gripen E/F deal is a significant step forward for Thailand's defence partnership with Sweden, reflecting a mutual commitment to enhancing regional stability and security."
Dr. Tanongsak Suwanmattakit, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Security and International Studies, added that "this agreement demonstrates Thailand's willingness to engage in strategic partnerships to enhance its national security, which is crucial in the face of emerging security challenges in the region."
The Gripen E/F deal is expected to have a significant impact on Thailand's defence capabilities, with the aircraft providing air superiority and reconnaissance capabilities. The partnership also offers opportunities for Thailand to develop its own defence industry, with Sweden providing training and capacity-building assistance.
In conclusion, the signing of the first-phase procurement contract for Gripen E/F fighter aircrafts between Thailand and Sweden marks a significant milestone in the defence partnership between the two countries. The agreement reflects a mutual commitment to enhancing regional stability and security, while also offering opportunities for Thailand to develop its own defence industry.
Recent Developments
August 2025: H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and Mr. Pål Jonson, Minister for Defence of Sweden, witnessed the signing of the first-phase procurement contract for Gripen E/F fighter aircrafts between Thailand and Sweden.
July 2025: Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, Chief of Command of the Royal Thai Air Force, represented Thailand as the official signatory to the agreement.
Key Statistics
The Gripen E/F fighter aircraft is capable of performing a range of tasks, including air-to-air combat, reconnaissance, and ground attack missions.
The aircraft's advanced avionics and propulsion systems make it an ideal choice for modernising Thailand's air force.
The Offset Policy Agreement offers new avenues of cooperation in areas crucial for Thailand's long-term development, including education and skills training, technology transfer, food and agriculture innovation, green transition, and cybersecurity.
Expert Insights
"The Gripen E/F deal is a significant step forward for Thailand's defence partnership with Sweden, reflecting a mutual commitment to enhancing regional stability and security." – Dr. Natapolt Panyarachun, Director of the Thai-MIT Center for Southeast Asian Studies.
"This agreement demonstrates Thailand's willingness to engage in strategic partnerships to enhance its national security, which is crucial in the face of emerging security challenges in the region." – Dr. Tanongsak Suwanmattakit, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Security and International Studies.
Future Implications
The Gripen E/F deal is expected to have a significant impact on Thailand's defence capabilities, with the aircraft providing air superiority and reconnaissance capabilities. The partnership also offers opportunities for Thailand to develop its own defence industry, with Sweden providing training and capacity-building assistance.
In the next six months, we can expect to see increased cooperation between Thailand and Sweden on defence and security issues, including joint exercises and capacity-building programs. Long-term, the deal is expected to contribute to enhanced regional stability and security, reflecting a mutual commitment to cooperative defence practices.
The Gripen E/F deal offers a significant opportunity for Thailand to strengthen its position in the region, particularly in relation to China's growing military presence. As the regional security landscape continues to evolve, it is likely that Thailand will continue to engage with Sweden and other partners on defence and security issues.
In conclusion, the signing of the first-phase procurement contract for Gripen E/F fighter aircrafts between Thailand and Sweden marks a significant milestone in the defence partnership between the two countries. The agreement reflects a mutual commitment to enhancing regional stability and security, while also offering opportunities for Thailand to develop its own defence industry.