Stockholm: The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force has traveled to Sweden to oversee the production progress of Gripen aircraft and strategize the acquisition of a second batch.

According to Thai News Agency, Air Chief Marshal Seksan Kantha, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force and Chairman of the Thai-Swedish Joint Project Management Committee, attended a meeting in Stockholm. The meeting was held at the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) and included discussions with FMV Deputy Director General, Ms. Eva Hagwall, to explore future cooperation opportunities.

Reporters have indicated that in August 2025, the Royal Thai Air Force signed a contract to acquire four Gripen E/F fighter jets in the first phase of a procurement project named "Peace Burapha 1." This contract, valued at 19.5 billion baht, was signed with the FMV and Swedish company Saab. The initial phase, funded for fiscal years 2025-2029, is set to begin deliveries in 2029. Phase 2, slated for fiscal year 2028, will include four additional aircraft, culminating in a squadron of 12 aircraft to replace the existing F-16-A/B fighters at Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Reporters further noted that the first Gripen E/F aircraft destined for the Royal Thai Air Force has commenced production at the SABB facility in Link¶ping.