Gripen E/F fighter beats F-16 in competition in Thailand
The Royal Thai Air Force confirmed the selection of the Saab Gripen E/F fighter in a competition in which the Lockheed Martin F-16 was also participating.
In a post on social media, the service stated that the Swedish jet is “most suitable to protect our national interest.”
The preference for the Gripen had already been expressed by the air force in July, but the Thai government agreed to receive new proposals with better financing conditions.
Thailand already operates both the F-16 and the Gripen in the C and D variants, which should be kept in service. The plan is to acquire 12 new fighters in the single-seat (E) and two-seat (F) versions.
Saab acknowledged the preference of the Royal Thai Air Force, but stated that there is currently no contract or order in force.
Third operator of the Gripen E/F
Thailand will be the third operator of the new generation of the Gripen fighter, alongside Sweden and Brazil, which is the only country currently with operational aircraft.
Considered a 4.5 generation fighter, the Gripen E/F can carry more weapons and fly further than previous variants, in addition to having a more advanced range of avionics.
However, the Saab jet has been repeatedly defeated in several bids around the world.
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