F-16 not dead yet in Thailand despite RTAF’s selection of Gripen
A Thai Saab JAS 39C/D Gripen fighter taking off from Darwin during Exercise Pitch Black. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
Lockheed Martin and Saab have both delivered updated offset proposals to Thailand’s air force with contracts yet to be signed on any deal.
A hard-fought Thai fighter competition between the F-16 and Gripen saw the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) announce selection of the latter. After 10 months of deliberations, the RTAF decided the Gripen E/F was the better platform to replace ageing F-16A/Bs in Korat-based 102 Squadron.
The relevant RTAF committee last month stated: “It can be concluded that the JAS 39 Gripen E/F attack fighter has the ability to meet the strategic needs of the air force.” This year’s RTAF White Paper listed a need for 12–14 fighters.
The Thai government still has to ratify the decision before any contract can
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![MBDA and Lockheed move closer to F-35A Meteor flight tests]()
MBDA and Lockheed move closer to F-35A Meteor flight tests
Following the completion of successful ground tests, one more exercise remains before flight testing can begin.
-
![Leonardo’s Proteus concludes ground tests with maiden flight on horizon]()
Leonardo’s Proteus concludes ground tests with maiden flight on horizon
The technology demonstrator forms part of a wider effort to help the Royal Navy explore the potential of uncrewed systems supporting its existing crewed aviation platforms.
-
![Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision]()
Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision
The MQ-7C uncrewed aircraft is currently undergoing further internal flight tests ahead of a government test event anticipated for next year.
-
![November Drone Digest: GA-ASI eyes Middle East for Gambit, Edge Group unveils new UAVs]()
November Drone Digest: GA-ASI eyes Middle East for Gambit, Edge Group unveils new UAVs
In November 2025, GA-ASI unveiled a new Gambit variant, the Gambit 6, and appears to be pitching the aircraft series to various customers in the Middle East, which is a fast-emerging CCA market. The Dubai Airshow also saw the unveiling of various Emirati aircraft from Edge Group.
