BANGKOK: Thailand wants to renew its fighter aircraft fleet with Gripen fighter jets, the air force announced, preferring the Swedish-made aircraft over the American F-16.

A procurement committee weighed the selection for ten months before deciding that the JAS 39 Gripen E/F was the most suitable, the Royal Thai Air Force said in a statement released on Tuesday.

“We have considered this purchase very carefully so that we can make the most of it to defend our country for at least another 30 years,” it said.

The Gripen “can conform to the strategic principles of the Thai Air Force and cooperate with other security forces,” the statement continued.

Lockheed Martin’s latest F-16s are still being evaluated; the final decision rests with the Thai government.

The Gripens were intended to replace the F-16 A/B jets purchased in the late 1980s.

No details have been given on how many Gripens Thailand might buy, but reports in defence-related media earlier this year suggested the kingdom was eyeing around a dozen.

Thailand currently operates eleven older Gripen aircraft and dozens of F-16s.

Gripen manufacturer Saab welcomed the statement.

“We can confirm the fact that the Thai Air Force has publicly stated that it wants to buy the Gripen. This is very positive news for Saab and Sweden,” Saab press officer Mattias Radstrom told AFP.

“At this point in time, there is no contract or order. We look forward to continuing discussions with the Thai Air Force and the Thai authorities.” – AFP