Thailand Gripen
After nearly three decades of operational readiness, the JAS 39 Gripen has finally been deployed in combat. Thailand became the first nation to use the Swedish-built multirole fighter in a real-world engagement, marking a milestone in the platform’s global reputation.
Gripen’s First Combat Mission Comes in Thai-Cambodian Clash
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen entered service with the Swedish Air Force in 1996. However, until now, it had never engaged in combat. Although Sweden once deployed eight Gripens to support NATO’s 2011 mission over Libya, those aircraft did not conduct strike sorties. That changed this month when the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) launched the JAS 39 Gripen in an operational strike role during a border conflict with Cambodia.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated around the disputed Preah Vihear temple, a centuries-old flashpoint. Both sides accused one another of provoking the confrontation, with Thailand citing Cambodian preparations of “indirect fire weapons” near its border.
Thai Gripens and F-16s Strike Cambodian Targets
During the brief but intense skirmish, the RTAF deployed a pair of JAS 39C/D Gripens and two F-16 Fighting Falcons to conduct precision strikes against Cambodian artillery positions. According to NationThailand, the strike occurred on a Saturday and involved Mk 82-class general-purpose bombs. Reports indicate that South Korean GPS-guided glide kits enhanced the bombs, resulting in increased accuracy.
This combat deployment of the JAS 39 Gripen is significant. It demonstrates that the aircraft, long praised for its affordability and versatility, can deliver kinetic effects in real-time conflict scenarios. The use of precision-guided munitions further reinforces the platform’s role in network-centric warfare.
Cambodia Claims Thai Jet Downed—Bangkok Denies
In the wake of the strikes, Cambodian authorities claimed they had shot down an RTAF F-16. However, Thai officials quickly rejected the allegation. On its verified social media channels, the Royal Thai Air Force stated, “All Thai aircraft are safe. The claim is categorically untrue.”
This denial reflects both the political sensitivity of the conflict and the strategic messaging involved in modern aerial warfare. No visual evidence or wreckage has been provided to support the Cambodian assertion.
Gripen Remains Thailand’s Frontline Fighter
Thailand operates 11 JAS 39C/D fighters based at Surat Thani Air Base. Since their initial delivery in 2008, these aircraft have consistently received upgrades. In 2021, a contract was signed to enhance the avionics and combat systems of the existing fleet. The Gripens are anticipated to continue serving on the front lines for another 30 years based on their performance during this most recent engagement.
The JAS 39 Gripen E/F was selected last year as the RTAF’s next-generation fighter to replace ageing F-16A/Bs. After a rigorous 10-month evaluation, Saab’s offer was preferred over Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Block 70/72. The choice reaffirmed the RTAF’s trust in Swedish engineering and cost-effective performance.
New Gripens Coming—But in Limited Numbers
Budgetary constraints mean that Thailand will likely acquire the Gripen E in small batches. Defence officials expect to procure 12–14 units over the next several years, delivered in sets of four. This approach mirrors Thailand’s original acquisition strategy in the late 2000s.
Despite the challenges of maintaining a multi-platform fleet, Thailand’s experience with the Gripen ecosystem—including simulators, support infrastructure, and integrated air defence systems—makes the transition to the E model relatively smooth.
Gripen’s Performance in Southeast Asia Validated
The tropical environment of Thailand presents unique operational challenges. Yet the JAS 39 Gripen has proven adaptable. Designed for cold, rugged Swedish conditions, it operates reliably in Southeast Asia’s humid and hot climate. Its low maintenance requirements and compact footprint make it ideal for dispersed operations and high sortie rates.
The JAS 39 Gripen has finally proven its worth with this combat debut. As regional tensions persist, particularly in Southeast Asia’s crowded airspace, the Gripen now firmly establishes its role as a capable, affordable, and combat-tested multirole fighter.
