Saab Secures $480M Gripen E/F Fighter Aircraft Order from Thailand's Royal Air Force

Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration for the delivery of four Gripen E/F fighter aircraft to the Kingdom of Thailand. The order is worth approximately 5.3bn SEK (c. €480m) and will be delivered between 2025 and 2030. The Royal Thai Air Force currently operates Gripen C/D multirole fighters and has chosen the Gripen E/F for its next generation of independent strategic capabilities.

Stockholm, July 2, 2025 — Sweden has signed a deal to sell four Gripen fighter jets to Thailand. The agreement, signed by the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) and Saab, involves the delivery of three Gripen E jets and one Gripen F, along with associated equipment, support, and training. The total value of the order is approximately 5.3 billion Swedish crowns (SEK), equivalent to around 556 million USD.

The deal is expected to strengthen Thailand's air defense capabilities and expand its fleet of Gripen fighter jets. Thailand currently operates a squadron of Gripen C/D fighters, which were first acquired in 2008. The new Gripen E/F jets will be powered by GE Aerospace’s F414-GE-39E engines, known for their power, reliability, and adaptability in demanding environments [3].

The sale of these fighter jets is part of Sweden's broader strategy to enhance its international defense exports and solidify its position in the global aerospace market. This deal also marks a significant milestone for Saab, which has seen a 3% increase in its stock price following the announcement [1].

Thailand becomes the third country to acquire the Saab Gripen E/F with the F414-GE-39E engine, joining Sweden and Brazil. The purchase also makes Thailand the first nation in the Asia-Pacific region to adopt the Gripen E/F fighter. Deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2025 and 2030 [2].

References:
[1] https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-08-25/sweden-agrees-to-sell-four-saab-gripen-fighter-jets-to-thailand
[2] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/sweden-agrees-to-sell-four-saab-gripen-fighter-jets-to-thailand-ce7c50d8d98bf320
[3] https://defence-industry.eu/ge-aerospace-f414-engines-to-power-royal-thai-air-forces-new-saab-gripen-e-f-fighter-aircraft/