Defense & Military
Thailand Selects Saab Gripen E/F Fighters for Air Force Modernization
Thailand’s RTAF chooses Saab Gripen E/F jets for cost-effective defense upgrades, regional security, and industrial collaboration with Sweden.
Thailand’s Strategic Leap: The Royal Thai Air Force Selects Saab Gripen E/F Fighters
In a significant move reflecting its commitment to modernizing national defense capabilities, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has officially confirmed its selection of the Saab Gripen E/F as its next-generation multi-role fighter aircraft. This decision, announced in June 2025, marks a pivotal step in Thailand’s broader defense modernization strategy and signals a deepening of defense ties with Sweden.
The selection of the Gripen E/F follows a comprehensive evaluation process involving multiple contenders, including the Lockheed Martin F-16V. The choice underscores Thailand’s strategic preference for a cost-effective, technologically advanced, and interoperable platform that can serve the nation’s air defense needs for decades to come.
With regional tensions and airspace sovereignty becoming increasingly critical issues in Southeast Asia, the acquisition of the Gripen E/F represents more than just a hardware upgrade, it is a statement of intent regarding Thailand’s defense posture and its commitment to maintaining regional stability.
Why the Gripen E/F? Evaluating the Choice
Advanced Capabilities at Competitive Costs
The Gripen E/F, developed by Swedish aerospace company Saab, is a next-generation multi-role fighter featuring state-of-the-art systems. These include an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems, and sensor fusion capabilities. The platform is compatible with a broad range of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, making it adaptable to various mission profiles.
One of the most compelling aspects of the Gripen E/F is its operational cost. With an estimated operating cost of approximately $4,700 per flight hour, it provides a cost-efficient alternative to more expensive fifth-generation fighters. This affordability factor plays a crucial role for nations like Thailand that seek to balance capability with budget constraints.
The aircraft’s modular design and open architecture also allow for future upgrades, ensuring that the Gripen E/F remains relevant as technologies evolve. This future-proofing is particularly appealing to air forces aiming for long-term value from their investments.
“The Gripen E/F offers a balanced mix of advanced technology and affordability, making it an ideal choice for countries like Thailand,” Dr. Mikael Johansson, Swedish Defense University
Thailand’s Operational Experience with Gripen
Thailand is not new to the Gripen family. The RTAF has been operating the Gripen C/D variants since 2011, forming the backbone of its air defense capabilities. This existing operational familiarity with Saab’s systems likely influenced the decision to continue with the newer E/F variants, minimizing training and logistical transition costs.
The current fleet of Gripen C/Ds has demonstrated strong performance in regional exercises and joint operations. The transition to the E/F variant promises to enhance these capabilities further, offering improved range, payload, and survivability in contested airspace environments.
Moreover, the Gripen’s integration with Saab’s GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system, also under consideration by the RTAF, could provide a comprehensive networked defense architecture for Thailand.
Offset Agreements and Local Industrial Benefits
As part of the proposed deal, Saab is offering a long-term offset package aimed at bolstering Thailand’s defense industry and strategic independence. While specific details are yet to be finalized, such packages typically include technology transfer, local assembly, and training programs for engineers and technicians.
This approach aligns with Thailand’s national policy to develop domestic capabilities in aerospace and defense manufacturing. By fostering local industry participation, the Gripen E/F deal could generate employment, stimulate economic growth, and enhance self-reliance in defense technologies.
Saab’s past partnerships with countries like Brazil, where local production of Gripen aircraft is underway, serve as a model for what could be achieved in Thailand through similar industrial collaboration.
Strategic and Regional Implications
Enhancing Regional Air Power Balance
In a region marked by rapidly evolving security dynamics, the acquisition of the Gripen E/F positions Thailand to maintain a credible air deterrent. Southeast Asia has seen increased military spending and modernization efforts, particularly in response to maritime disputes and strategic competition in the South China Sea.
Thailand’s decision to upgrade its fleet with modern, network-centric fighters adds a layer of complexity to the regional balance of power. It also signals to neighboring countries and allies that Thailand is committed to maintaining a capable and responsive air force.
This acquisition could also serve as a catalyst for further defense collaborations within ASEAN, potentially encouraging joint training and interoperability initiatives among regional air forces.
Global Market Position of the Gripen E/F
Thailand’s selection of the Gripen E/F adds momentum to Saab’s export campaign for the aircraft. Recent deals with Brazil and Switzerland have already demonstrated the platform’s global appeal. With each new customer, the Gripen program gains economies of scale and broader user community support.
Unlike fifth-generation fighters like the F-35, which come with higher acquisition and maintenance costs, the Gripen E/F offers a middle-ground solution for countries looking to modernize without overextending defense budgets. This makes it particularly attractive for mid-tier air forces in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Thailand’s endorsement could influence other countries in the region that are currently evaluating their fighter procurement options, further enhancing the Gripen’s market visibility.
Strengthening Sweden–Thailand Bilateral Relations
The Gripen E/F deal is more than a defense procurement, it is a diplomatic gesture that strengthens bilateral relations between Thailand and Sweden. Defense cooperation often serves as a foundation for broader strategic partnerships, including trade, technology exchange, and education.
Sweden’s willingness to include offset agreements and industrial collaboration demonstrates a long-term commitment to mutual benefit. For Thailand, this opens avenues not only in defense but also in civil aviation, cybersecurity, and innovation sectors.
As both nations navigate an increasingly complex global security landscape, such partnerships contribute to shared resilience and geopolitical alignment.
Conclusion
The Royal Thai Air Force’s selection of the Saab Gripen E/F marks a transformative moment in the country’s defense strategy. By opting for a platform that balances cutting-edge capabilities with operational affordability, Thailand is positioning itself for long-term security and strategic autonomy.
As the procurement process advances, the focus will shift to implementation, ensuring effective delivery, training, and integration. If executed well, this deal could serve as a model for other nations seeking to modernize their air forces in a fiscally responsible and technologically sustainable manner.
FAQ
Why did Thailand choose the Gripen E/F over other options?
The Gripen E/F offers advanced technology, low operational costs, and compatibility with Thailand’s existing Gripen C/D fleet, making it a strategic and economical choice.
What are the key features of the Gripen E/F?
The aircraft includes AESA radar, electronic warfare systems, sensor fusion, and multi-role combat capabilities, designed for high availability and future upgrades.
Will this deal benefit Thailand’s local industry?
Yes, Saab has proposed an offset package that includes technology transfer, local employment, and industrial cooperation to support Thailand’s defense sector.
Sources
Photo Credit: Euro-sd
Defense & Military
Embraer Signs Long-Term KC-390 Support Deal With Brazil
Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force signed a lifecycle support agreement for the KC-390 Millennium fleet on June 18, 2026.
Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force signed a comprehensive long-term logistics support agreement on June 18, 2026, designed to maximize the operational availability and mission readiness of the military’s KC-390 Millennium fleet.
Announced in a press release from the manufacturer’s São José dos Campos headquarters, the contract provides full lifecycle support for current and future KC-390 aircraft operated by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The agreement encompasses maintenance, logistical sustainment, component repair and overhaul, spare parts supply, engineering services, and technical publications. The financial value of the contract was not disclosed.
Enhancing fleet readiness for the launch customer
The Brazilian Air Force serves as the launch customer for the KC-390 program. According to Air Data News, the FAB has a total order book of 19 aircraft. The first production unit was delivered to the military branch on September 4, 2019.
Lieutenant-Brigadier Valter Malta, General Support Commander for the FAB, stated in the release that the agreement reinforces the military’s commitment to fleet availability and operational efficiency.
“Through this contract, we will provide the maintenance and logistical sustainment required to support the KC-390 Millennium, which is a strategic asset for the country’s mobility, defense, and rapid response capabilities,” Malta said.
Carlos Naufel, President and CEO of Embraer Services & Support, noted the contract extends a decades-long relationship between the manufacturer and the FAB. Naufel stated the goal is to support the military’s ability to perform at the highest standards using world-class solutions.
Production ramp-up and international momentum
The support agreement coincides with a broader push by Embraer to increase production of the KC-390 Millennium to meet growing international demand. Breaking Defense reported that Embraer executives briefed reporters on June 10, 2026, outlining plans to build six aircraft in 2026 and reach an annual production rate of 10 aircraft by the end of the decade.
Marcio Monteiro, Chief Marketing Officer of Embraer’s defense division, told Breaking Defense that the company is in “ramping up mode” to meet current commitments and anticipate future orders. Embraer estimates a total addressable market of 450 aircraft for the KC-390 over the next two decades.
International interest in the platform has accelerated in recent months. Air Data News reported that Greece formally submitted a defense procurement package to its parliament in June 2026 for three KC-390s. Embraer is also preparing to deliver the first aircraft to the Czech Air Force in the coming weeks, with a second scheduled for 2027. Additional deliveries are slated for Uzbekistan and South Korea in 2026.
AirPro News analysis
Securing a comprehensive, long-term sustainment contract with the launch customer is a critical step for Embraer as it markets the KC-390 Millennium globally. Prospective international buyers closely monitor the operational availability and logistical support network of the home country’s fleet when evaluating military aircraft transport acquisitions. By formalizing this lifecycle support structure with the Brazilian Air-Forces, we view Embraer as establishing a baseline sustainment model that can be pitched to European and Asian air forces currently evaluating alternatives to legacy tactical airlifters.
Sources: Embraer
Photo Credit: Embraer
Defense & Military
Shield AI Wins U.S. Air Force CCA Autonomy Contract
The U.S. Air Force awarded Shield AI a production contract to integrate Hivemind software into its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
On June 17, 2026, the U.S. Air-Forces awarded defense technology company Shield AI a production contract to integrate its Hivemind mission autonomy software into the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The award advances the military branch’s strategy to decouple software development from airframe manufacturing, enabling rapid capability updates across multiple uncrewed platforms.
In a press release issued on June 17, 2026, Shield AI confirmed the contract will utilize the government-owned Autonomy Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA). This framework allows the Air Force to evaluate and integrate mission autonomy as a standalone capability, preserving vendor competition and reducing the integration risks traditionally associated with tied hardware and software procurement.
Advancing the Collaborative Combat Aircraft fleet
The CCA program is a core component of the Air Force’s Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) family of systems. These uncrewed aircraft are designed to fly alongside fifth- and sixth-generation fighter jets, augmenting the crewed fleet with additional offensive strike and intelligence-gathering capabilities.
According to reporting by DefenseScoop, the Air Force plans to field a minimum of 150 CCA systems by the end of the decade. The Increment 1 airframe production Contracts were awarded to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Anduril Industries four months ahead of schedule.
Software-first approach to mission autonomy
Alongside the airframe awards, the Air Force issued mission autonomy Software production options to Shield AI, Anduril, and Collins Aerospace. The military branch has been integrating and testing mission autonomy packages on CCA prototypes since February 12, 2026.
“Mission autonomy is a foundational capability for future airpower. The Air Force’s approach enables faster innovation, rapid capability deployment, and greater operational advantage for the warfighter,” said Christian Gutierrez, Senior Vice President of Hivemind at Shield AI.
Col. Timothy Helfrich, Program Acquisition Executive for Fighters and Advanced Aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, described the program as the next evolution of air power. Speaking to DefenseScoop, he noted that the CCA initiative represents the military’s first instance of taking human-machine teaming into the aviation world to such an extent and driving it operationally.
Future milestones and vendor selection
The Air Force is expected to select a primary mission autonomy software provider for CCA Increment 1 in 2027. This decision will follow extensive evaluation of the software packages provided by the competing vendors.
The A-GRA architecture ensures that whichever software is selected can be integrated into the YFQ-42A built by General Atomics and the YFQ-44A built by Anduril without requiring structural modifications to the aircraft.
AirPro News analysis
We view the Air Force’s strict adherence to the Autonomy Government Reference Architecture as a fundamental shift in defense aviation procurement. By forcing a hard boundary between the physical aircraft and the cognitive software that flies it, the military is actively avoiding the vendor lock-in that has historically plagued major acquisition programs. The decision to award software production options to three distinct companies, including traditional defense contractors like Collins Aerospace alongside newer entrants like Shield AI and Anduril, indicates a deliberate strategy to maintain competitive pressure through the 2027 down-select. If successful, this decoupled procurement model could become the standard for future uncrewed aviation programs.
Sources: Shield AI
Photo Credit: Shield AI
Defense & Military
Daher Expands Rafale Aerostructure Role for Dassault Aviation
Daher takes on Rafale canards, vertical tail plane, and forward fuselage assembly as Dassault targets four aircraft per month by 2028-29.
Daher Group has expanded its manufacturing responsibilities within the Dassault Rafale fighter program, taking on the production of critical composite and metallic aerostructures to support Dassault Aviation as it accelerates aircraft output.
In a press release issued on June 16, 2026, during the Eurosatory defense and security show in Paris, Daher detailed its growing portfolio of flight safety-critical components for the multirole fighter. The strategic industrial transfer is designed to alleviate production bottlenecks as Dassault works through a backlog of more than 220 aircraft for French and export customers.
Strategic industrial transfers support production targets
Dassault Aviation is currently executing a significant production ramp-up. According to recent reporting by Aviation Week, the manufacturer plans to deliver 28 Rafale aircraft in 2026, an increase from 26 deliveries in 2025. The company ultimately targets a production rate of four aircraft per month by 2028 or 2029.
To facilitate this volume, Dassault transferred the manufacturing of the Rafale’s canards and vertical tail plane from its own facility in Biarritz, France, to Daher.
“Daher’s work on the Rafale demonstrates our ability to industrialize and assemble critical components in highly demanding environments, while supporting the program’s production ramp-up,” said Alain-Jory Barthe, CEO of Daher Industry. “Our adherence to delivery schedules and the quality of our production are recognized by Dassault Aviation, with whom we’ve built a long-term relationship of trust based on a shared industrial DNA as family-owned companies.”
Critical aerostructure manufacturing and assembly
Daher’s expanded work package encompasses both composite manufacturing and complex metallic assembly. The company confirmed that the thermoset composite canards have already passed their qualification milestones. The vertical tail plane is currently entering its final validation phase.
In addition to the flight control surfaces, Daher is responsible for assembling the C1-C7 forward fuselage section. Located immediately aft of the nose, this section incorporates the structural support for the aircraft’s in-flight refueling probe. The assembly process involves integrating approximately 800 elementary parts, which are primarily metallic and sheet metal components.
The Tier 1 supplier also produces equipped T34 panels and the radio access hatch specifically designed for the two-seat variant of the Rafale.
AirPro News analysis
We view Dassault’s delegation of major structural assemblies to Daher as a textbook supply chain optimization strategy for an original equipment manufacturer facing a steep production curve. By offloading the canards and vertical tail plane, Dassault frees up floor space and specialized labor at its Biarritz plant for other critical path items. Daher is well-positioned to absorb this work. With 14,500 employees globally and reported 2025 revenues of €1.9 billion, the company has the industrial scale required to meet defense-standard quality requirements while maintaining the strict delivery schedules necessary for Dassault to reach a rate of four aircraft per month.
Sources: Daher
Photo Credit: Daher
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