Thailand Advances Gripen E/F Acquisition Talks with Sweden

Negotiations between Thailand and Sweden for the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) purchase of Saab Gripen E/F fighters are progressing as planned. In early 2025, the Thai defense ministry formally endorsed the RTAF’s decision to procure these aircraft, allowing discussions to move forward. A Saab representative confirmed that the Gripen E/F is the preferred choice for Thailand’s next-generation fighter, and talks between both governments remain on track. 

Thailand is looking to acquire 12 Gripen E/F aircraft to replace its aging fleet of F-16A/Bs. The decision follows an extensive evaluation process in which the Gripen E/F was selected over the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72, with offset packages playing a key role in the selection.

The RTAF already operates 11 Gripen C/D fighters at Surat Thani Air Base. In February 2025, these aircraft demonstrated their ability to take off from highway strips in Songkhla province, highlighting the Gripen’s adaptability to different operational scenarios.

With the Gripen E/F deal moving forward, Thailand is reinforcing its air combat capabilities while strengthening defense ties with Sweden 

Sweden will consider sending Gripen jets to Ukraine only after NATO membership

Sweden stated today that it won't contemplate dispatching its JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft to Ukraine until the nation gains entry into NATO. Nonetheless, it also expressed its armed forces' intention to explore the potential transfer and will furnish a report on the viability of the transfer in November.

The fresh strategy, which for the first time directly associates Gripen deliveries with alliance admission, was disclosed by Pål Jonson, the defense minister of Sweden, in conjunction with Stockholm's 14th military assistance package for Kyiv, estimated at about $200 million.

Jonson informed the media that, due to "domestic security considerations," Sweden would insist on NATO membership before considering providing Gripens to Ukraine, according to Reuters.

The government reasserted in a press release that "assistance in the form of JAS 39 Gripen would be contingent upon Sweden first attaining NATO membership." Stockholm has not yet disclosed the number of Gripen aircraft that could be potentially provided to Kyiv.

Regarding the assistance package, the forthcoming consignment of weaponry destined for Ukrainian forces encompasses 155mm artillery and CV90 munitions. Satellite communication gear will also be furnished. Jonson stated in a social media post that the "cumulative value of Sweden's military aid to Ukraine" has now reached SEK 22 billion ($2 billion).

Despite neighboring Finland's NATO accession in April, Sweden's membership request has been postponed by Turkey and Hungary. However, Ankara has pledged to hold a parliamentary ratification vote on the issue post-October.

Rafale, MIrage 2000 or Gripen likely to be Bulgaria interim fighter aircraft

The Bulgarian government looks to be edging closer to reaching an agreement for an interim fighter aircraft after holding talks with Sweden and France, while the southeastern European nation awaits American F-16s.
The potential acquisition of the jets was prompted by Lockheed Martin when it delayed delivery of F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Sofia from 2023 to 2025.
Bulgaria requires an “interim” type to replace an aging MiG-29 fleet that’s expected to be unserviceable due to maintenance issues from the end of 2023 onward.
Until the F-16s reach full operational capability around 2028-2030, interim fighters will have to be used for the purpose of carrying out the Air Policing mission in the airspace of Bulgaria.
The interim fighter acquisition started out with Bulgaria sending letters to the United States, Sweden, France, Israel, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy, detailing the possibility of leasing second-hand aircraft. The Netherlands, Spain and Italy have all since confirmed they are unable to meet the request, according to the Bulgarian MoD spokesperson. 

“Sweden and France have responded favorably to our request,” spokesperson said. “We have initiated talks with [both]… to explore the possibilities for [the] interim fighter acquisition. We have not received any offers yet.”
Sweden could offer Saab JAS 39 Gripen C/D aircraft with France in a position to either pitch its Mirage 2000 or Rafale jets. Both the Swedish and French governments have not responded to requests for comment.
breakingdefense 

US, NATO could supply Ukraine with swedish JAS-39 Gripen

A leading UK-based defense think tank has recommended that the West consider providing the Ukrainian Air Force with Saab JAS-39 Gripen C/D fighter jets to prevent the ongoing Ukraine war from shifting dramatically in Russia’s favor.

Experts from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) said in a report, that the Swedish aircraft offers “by far the most suitable candidate” for Western-made fighter jets regarding operational requirements for Ukrainian air defense.

Experts highlighted the importance of the delivery of fighter jets to Ukraine, in addition to the Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) launchers, missile ammunition, and self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, saying if these are not delivered, Ukraine would be left vulnerable to another Russian strike campaign that needs to be resisted to avoid a dramatic shift in the current momentum of the war.

Eight months into the war, Ukraine’s Air Force has kept the Ukrainian airspace contested, despite being outnumbered by the Russian military.

This is because the Ukrainian military planners recognized Russia’s long-range fire capability. Therefore, Ukrainian fighter pilots adopted flexible tactics like keeping the aircraft moving from one airfield to another and flying difficult flight paths to reduce the chance of the enemy catching them on the ground.

The Swedish Air Force (SwAF) is known to operate similarly. Sweden’s tactics of wartime dispersal of warplanes have received acclaim from the US Air Force as well, which is known to have sent its personnel to Sweden to learn these tactics.

“The ability to disperse aircraft is a specialty of theirs,” The Commander of USAFE, General James B Hecker, said of the SwAF in August, adding, “Sweden has got Agile Combat Employment (ACE) down better than any other air force in the world, and we are going to exploit that [knowledge for NATO]. It’s very exciting!”

eurasiantimes 

The first Brazilian Gripen has flown in Brazil

September 24, the first Brazilian Gripen E, designated by Brazilian Air Force (FAB) as F-39 Gripen, concluded its first flight in Brazil. 

The aircraft flew from the airport in Navegantes to Embraer´s facility in Gavião Peixoto. 

The official presentation of the aircraft is scheduled to take place during the Aviator’s Day and the Brazilian Air Force Day ceremony in Brasilia, celebrated on the 23rd of October. 

saabgroup

Croatia in talks with Sweden, U.S. on new fighter jets

Croatia is in talks with Sweden and the United States on buying fighter jets to modernize its air force.
Zagreb was close to striking a deal on buying a squadron of used and refitted F-16 fighter jets from Israel, but eventually Israel informed Croatia it could not sell the planes as it could not secure an approval from the United States.
Israel had been in competition with several countries bidding for Zagreb’s business and its most serious competitor was reported to have been Sweden’s SAAB offering new Gripen planes. .
Croatia joined the NATO alliance in 2009 and the EuropeanUnion in 2013. Its air force has a squadron of Russian-made MiG-21 jets dating from its past within old Yugoslavia, but they are outdated and only a few are operational at the moment.
reuters

Hungary, augmented by the United Kingdom and Spain, will lead 50th NATO Baltic Air Policing detachment

Hungary is scheduled to be the lead nation for NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission at Šiauliai, Lithuania, together with augmenting nations Spain and the United Kingdom.
From May 2019 Hungary will take over the lead of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission deploying their JAS-39 Gripen fighter aircraft to Šiauliai, Lithuania. This is the second time since 2015 that Hungary will deploy their Gripen fighters and an air force detachment to lead the mission out of Lithuania.
The Spanish Air Force will also fly their F-18 fighters out of Šiauliai Air Base; their detachment augments the mission under NATO’s Assurance Measures. This is the sixth time Spain has deployed under the mission – twice as lead nation in 2006 and 2016 and three times as augmenting nation at Ämari in 2015, 2017 and 2018.
The Royal Air Force is the second augmenting nation and will fly their Eurofighter aircraft out of Ämari Air Base in Estonia. The United Kingdom was the third nation to lead the mission in 2004 and have since augmented once in Siauliai in 2014 and twice in Ämari in 2015 and 2016.
nato

Philippines Air Air Force likely to buy JAS-39 Grippen

After a thorough study and research, the Department of National Defense (DND) is most likely to buy the Swedish-made Gripenmulti-role supersonic jet fighter for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana made this disclosure in an exclusive interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on the sidelines of the book launching of former President Fidel V. Ramos at the Manila Hotel on Sunday.
Lorenzana said aside from being cheaper and less expensive in maintenance cost, the Gripen has been proven to be an excellent supersonic fighter aircraft.
The PAF has been scouting for over a decade of what jetfighter aircraft it would buy to replace the US-made F5A/B jet interceptors that retired in 2005 due to old age and lack of spare parts.
Since the F-5s were pulled from service, the Air Force tried to acquire advanced jetfighters such as the supersonic F-16 from the United States, but no progress was made.
Lorenzana said the United States government offered anew to sell F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines.
The offer, Lorenzana added, was made by US Defense Secretary James Mattis when the DND secretary visited Washington last month.
Lorenzana confirmed the US offer, but said the F-16 supersonic jetfighter interceptors are too expensive.
In comparison, the Gripen costs less and has the same capability with other multi-role jetfighters, including the F-16.
Since F-5s were put out of service, the PAF has no multi-role jetfighters in its arsenal, although it had bought from South Korea a dozen of F-50 jets but the planes’ capability is limited compared with the Gripen, F-16 and similar aircraft.
The acquisition of multi-role jetfighters, Lorenzana said, is badly needed to protect the country’s airspace.
pna.gov.ph

SAAB JAS-39 Gripen E makes maiden flight

The Saab Gripen E combat aircraft made its maiden flight from the company's Linköping production facility on 15 June.
The flight lasted for 40 minutes, during which the pilot "carried out a number of actions to demonstrate various test criteria including the retracting and extending of the landing gear," Saab said, adding that the aircraft performed as expected.
This milestone was slightly delayed from the original date of late 2016, as the company decided to finalise all of the software development ahead of commencing the flight trials process to reduce risk to the programme.
With 39-8 being used mainly for airframe and general flight control tests, a second prototype (39-9) will be used as a tactical systems testbed, while the third and final single-seat prototype (39-10) will fly as a production-standard airframe. The twin-seat Gripen NG demonstrator (39-7) that provided much of the risk mitigation for the Gripen E will continue to serve as a general test platform throughout the flight trials effort.
As previously highlighted by Saab, the Gripen E's enhancements over the earlier C/D models can be categorised in terms of survivability, sensors, general systems, payload, communications, performance, range, avionics, and human-machine interface/sensor fusion.
Sweden is due to receive the first of 60 Gripen Es (perhaps rising to 70, depending on a governmental decision that is to come) in 2019, with deliveries running through to 2026. In anticipation, the Swedish Air Force (SwAF) has already begun developing the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) that it will employ for the type.
Speaking to reporters at the home of the service's Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) squadron at Malmen Airbase in southern Sweden, Major Johan Jeppsson, director of operations for the unit, said in late May that, "We see what new tactics might be needed, and we then introduce those to the operational squadrons.
janes

Spain to patrol Baltic States' airspace with four Eurofighter Typhoon in 2016

Four Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon jets will begin patrolling the Baltic states' skies in 2016 as part of the rotating NATO mission.
A Spanish contingent with four Eurofighter Typhoons from 14 Wing, with base in Albacete, will be stationed in Lithuania, marking the third time for the Spanish air force to take part in the Baltic air policing mission. They will replace the Hungarian jets and crews who have been guarding the Baltic airspace with four JAS-39 Gripen jets since the beginning of September.
The official changeover ceremonies are scheduled for January 7.
unian.info

USAF F-22 Raptors will Train With Czech Gripens

The US wants its F-22 Raptor fighters, which its plans to deploy in Europe, to learn to cooperate with the supersonic fighters of the allies, not only with the most widespread Eurofighter Typhoons but also the Gripen fighters used by the Czechs, daily Lidové noviny (LN) writes today.
praguepost

Sweden Wants To Sell JAS-39 Gripen jets to India after France Rafale deal falters

Sweden is looking to export its Gripen fighter jets to India, seizing an opportunity after India Prime Minister effectively killed an $11 billion deal with France's Rafals two months ago.
Swedish Defense Minister said he would pitch Saab's Gripen in a meeting on Wednesday with Indian counterpart. He's also planning to meet with state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
The single-engine Gripen lost out to Dassault's twin-engine Rafale jets in India's 2007 tender for 126 planes.
Saab is not the only manufacturer that has been given new hopes by the disintegration of Dassault's deal. Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet, Lockheed Martin's F-16 Fighting Falcon, United Aircraft's MiG-35 and the Eurofighter Typhoon were all part of the original tender process.
India's air force currently has 240 MiG's in its fleet of about 25 squadrons. It estimates that at least 45 squadrons are needed to repel a joint attack from Pakistan and China, according to an Indian parliament committee report released in December 2014.
chicagotribune

Russian TU-22M3 Intercepted by Swedish Gripens

The Russian planes were spotted approaching Sweden at lunchtime, but did not quite enter Swedish airspace, according to the country's Supreme Commander.
"[They] went out over the Gulf of Finland and then went southwards above the southern tip of Öland," he told.
The aircraft "flew provocatively close" both to Sweden's national borders as well as airspace used by other countries sending aircraft across the Baltic Sea.
The Russian planes were both Tupolev Tu-22M aircraft, which can carry atomic weapons as well as conventional bombs, but are also used for surveillance.
The move follows a similar incident in March this year when two Russian planes were spotted in international airspace but heading towards Sweden's east coast.
In September 2014 two SU-24 fighter-bombers allegedly entered Swedish airspace in what the former Foreign Minister called "the most serious aerial incursion by the Russians" in almost a decade.
The following month a foreign submarine was spotted in Swedish waters, although the Swedish military was unable to determine where it came from.
thelocal

Croatia Unveils Plans to Acquire New Fighter Jets To Replace MiG-21s

The Croatian government has unveiled plans to acquire new fighter jets with the aim of replacing its Soviet-designed Mikoyan MiG-21s.
The two leading contenders for the designed deal are the F-16 JAS-39 Gripen, with Zagreb planning to buy aircraft that are either new or currently used by other NATO member states, local newspaper Jutarnji first reported. Alternatives considered included France's Mirage, Israeli Kfir and a version of South Korea's T-50.
The Croatian government is reportedly aiming to replace its Soviet-designed fighter jets with Western-made aircraft as part of the country's ongoing efforts to modernize its Air Force's fleet and eliminate weapons and military equipment used by Russia and its allies.
Currently, the Croatian Air Force has a total of 12 MiG-21bisD/UMD aircraft in its fleet.
The new fighter jet for the country's armed forces is to be selected by the end of this year.
The amount of the planned procurement, as well as the estimated worth of the acquisition, was not disclosed by the Croatian authorities.
defensenews

France Ready to Give Indonesia Technology Transfer on Rafale Deal

France asserted on Wednesday that it was willing to provide an industrial cooperation with Indonesia should the Dassault Rafale jet fighter be selected to modernize the Indonesian Air Force.
French Ambassador to Indonesia said that France was open to all cooperation possibilities involving French aircraft maker Dassault Aviation and state-owned aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI).
Two Rafale jet fighters, a Rafale B double-seater and a Rafale C single-seater, arrived in Indonesia on Monday from the just-concluded 2015 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition in Malaysia.
On Tuesday, the jet fighters performed three flights for Indonesian Air Force pilots who flew on the Rafale B, taking the back seat.
The Rafale is a latecomer in the competition to replace the F-5 E/F operated by the Indonesian Air Force.
The French jet fighter is facing tough competition with contenders including Su-35, F-16 Block 60, JAS-39 Gripen and the Eurofighter Typhoon.
The Indonesian Air Force has repeatedly said it prefers the Su-35, although the final decision will be made by the Defense Ministry.
defense-studies

Swedish air force receives its last Gripen C

Saab has delivered its final Gripen C ordered for the Swedish air force.
Aircraft 39294 is now assigned to the air force’s F 17 wing at the base.
Sweden has an active fleet of 65 Gripen Cs and 20 D-model trainers prior to the delivery. The service's total fleet of the type stands at 74 and 24, respectively.
The next single-seat fighter to be delivered to the Swedish air force will be the first of at least 60 Gripens to be manufactured in the advanced E configuration. Saab is under contract to hand over its first example of the larger and more powerful model during 2019, with Brazil also having ordered 36 of the new-generation type.
flightglobal

Slovakia in talks with Sweden on Gripen jet fighters

In its effort to boost defence capabilities, Slovakia is set to begin official talks on the rental of Gripen jet fighters from Sweden.
Details of the costs and number of Gripens to be used in Slovakia are still to be elaborated during the talks.
The Slovak Armed Forces currently have Mig-29.
There is still the possibility to continue with current jet fighters for which the license ends in November 2016, or Slovakia might agree with some ally on the protection of air space.
spectator

Brazil signs for 36 Gripen E/F fighters

Saab and Brazil have signed a contract for the development and production of 36 Gripen NG fighter aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force.

On 18 December 2013 Brazil selected the Gripen NG to be its next-generation fighter aircraft, through the F-X2 evaluation programme. Since then all parties have negotiated to finalise a contract. Today’s announcement marks the successful conclusion of that process.

businesswire

janes

Brazil and Argentina to negotiate over the joint purchase of JAS-39 Gripen

Brazil and Argentina are to hold negotiations over the possible procurement of Brazilian-made JAS-39 Gripen, but Swedish-designed, jet fighters.
The decision was announced in Brazil by visiting Argentine Defense Minister.
Brazil's Ministry of Defense said the talks over the possible purchase of 24 Brazil-produced Gripens would include not only the conditions of purchase but also Argentina's participation in the production of the Saab-designed aircraft.
Brazil and Argentina already cooperate on a number of defense projects.
Brazil is expected to sign an agreement with Sweden later this year for the procurement of 36 Saab Gripen multi-role fighter aircraft, with provisions for technology transfer and local manufacturing.
upi.com

Czech Air Force takes over surveillance of Icelandic airspace

Five Czech Gripen fighter jets are flying to Iceland on Friday as the Czech Army prepares to take over surveillance of Icelandic airspace. Over the next nine weeks Czech aircraft and a contingent of 75 soldiers will be primarily responsible for Iceland’s air defence, the only NATO member state with no air force of its own.
Iceland, one of the founding members of NATO, is the only member state without an army. Its role in NATO revolves around its strategic position and the NATO airbases on its territory. Consequently its defence is in the hands of NATO allies. From 1951 to 2006 the country’s air defence was exclusively in the hands of the United States after which other NATO members accepted the responsibility in a rotating joint operation. For the first time ever the Czech air force will now have the task of patrolling Iceland’s airspace. The planned five week surveillance mission was recently extended to nine weeks at NATOs request.
radio.cz