Thailand selects Gripen and Erieye

[jaffo4011]

good news for all concerned with a purchase of 12 gripens by 2012 and a number of the erieye aew aircraft too.....
the gripens one of my favourite platforms so i'm pleased to see another country adopting it.....
excellent result for saab and bae......:)

Mod: Add your source.

[qwerty223]

good news for all concerned with a purchase of 12 gripens by 2012 and a number of the erieye aew aircraft too.....
the gripens one of my favourite platforms so i'm pleased to see another country adopting it.....
excellent result for saab and bae......:)

Bangkok post did mention about gripen, but where you get the aew from?

[highnndry]

Wow, that's like $100 mil for each aircraft. I thought they were around $40 mil each... is 12 aircraft going to make any difference in an airforce? Wouldn't 30 Su-30 for $35 mil a piece would have been a better choice and more in numbers. I know the grippen has better electronics but still.... unless I'm missing something.

Grippen is really on a role....

[radiosilence]

Bangkok post did mention about gripen, but where you get the aew from?

In Bangkok,Thailand yesterday the Thai government announced the down-selection of the Saab Gripen new generation fighter, and the Saab Erieye Airborne Early Warning (AEW) system .......

defencetalk (http://www.defencetalk.com/news/publish/airforce/Thailand_selects_Gripen_and_Erieye100013828.php)

[radiosilence]

Wow, that's like $100 mil for each aircraft. I thought they were around $40 mil each...

The 600 million include 6 Gripen, 1 Erieye AEW system aircraft, spares, and training.

[Ryttare]

The 600 million include 6 Gripen, 1 Erieye AEW system aircraft, spares, and training.

I have also seen reports that a number of RBS 15 should be included, but I can't find a link right now. However there seems to be no formal contract signed yet, exact details might not be available right now.

[KiwiRob]

Does anyone know what type of aircraft the Saab Erieye Airborne Early Warning (AEW) system will be mounted on? Or are Saab building the 2000 again for these types of deal?

[Maskirovka]

Does anyone know what type of aircraft the Saab Erieye Airborne Early Warning (AEW) system will be mounted on? Or are Saab building the 2000 again for these types of deal?

This is not 100% but I read somewhere they will use the SAAB340. Actually I read that Thailand will buy/get all of the Swedish airforce six 340s. Two for AEW&C and the remaining for transport and VIP.
That could be true since the swedish airforce has decided to go with the SAAB2000...

[Maskirovka]

Just a picture of the Gripens range from three different Thai bases during a typical A2G mission;
http://img73.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jasactionthailand1ha6.jpg

[kato]

Some sources for the OP.

Gripen Press Release (http://www.gripen.com/en/MediaRelations/News/2007/071017_thai.htm)

10/17/2007 | The Thai Cabinet has approved a budget of 34,400 billion baht (US$ 1.1 billion) for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to procure 12 (twelve) Gripen multi-role fighters, to replace its ageing fleet of F-5 B/E aircraft, and 2 (two) Saab Erieye AEW aircraft, together with associated equipment and services. Negotiations between Thai and Swedish government officials will now commence in order to conclude a formal agreement.

Swedish Government (http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/587/a/90442;jsessionid=aS--1AOwwtB)

"I welcome the fact that at its meeting yesterday, Thailand's government decided to initiate negotiations with Sweden on the purchase of both Gripen and the reconnaissance aircraft Erieye", says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.

[contedicavour]

It makes sense to replace F5s and early generation F16A/Bs with Gripen because of similar sizes, similar multirole capability, relatively easy maintenance, and access to weapons systems like Meteor and IRIS-T...

cheers

[Ozzy Blizzard]

The fact that they were sold with Erieye shows the co-dependance of platform and AEW&C. Individual platforms dont matter so much any more, its the whole package. Grippen + Erieye offeres a truely impressive capability, all for a small price tag and ease of maintinance. A great choice for the RTAF, but i wonder wether there is an option for an aditional 12 JAS 39's???

[kato]

A great choice for the RTAF, but i wonder wether there is an option for an aditional 12 JAS 39's???

Thailand originally defined a need for "12-18 fighter jets" and 3 AEW aircraft.

Doubt there'll be more; if at all a third batch option of 6 Gripen + 1 Erieye i guess.

[contedicavour]

Thailand originally defined a need for "12-18 fighter jets" and 3 AEW aircraft.

Doubt there'll be more; if at all a third batch option of 6 Gripen + 1 Erieye i guess.

Leaving financial constraints aside, Thailand has to replace about 50 planes between F5, F16A/B and A7, so in theory they do need more than a dozen Gripen...

cheers

[swerve]

The fact that they were sold with Erieye shows the co-dependance of platform and AEW&C. Individual platforms dont matter so much any more, its the whole package. Grippen + Erieye offeres a truely impressive capability, all for a small price tag and ease of maintinance. A great choice for the RTAF, but i wonder wether there is an option for an aditional 12 JAS 39's???

Gripen & Erieye aren't co-dependent. Thailand is the 5th Erieye customer, & 5th Gripen customer. But they aren't the same 5 - 3 of the other Erieye customers don't have Gripen, & 3 of the other Gripen customers don't have Erieye.

[raymaned]

i wonder how a plane from the nation which doesn't have the experience in aircraft fighting will make such a good plane like US. At first Thailand has chosen for three choices first it is SU-30 (in Thailand therer is criticize that it consume such a lot from its two motor and the weapon which use for them must be buyed for all because thailand hasn't used any russia planes) second it is f16 c/d block60--after coup success in thailand at first the government plan to buy ths kind of plane but US don't deal to coup government (in my opinion i think that this is proper for thai not only the grteat performance ....than grippen.....but also the familiar of f16 which have used in thailand for decades ) and the last "jas 39". Sweden offer an attractive deal which is 2 erieyes, 3 round stations, 200 scholarships to educate areospace engineering in sweden and the last grippen source code ,which will improve thai engineer to develop or...... . So i dont quite sure that grippen will proper for it mission to protect the southern thai + gulf of Thailand from any threat . ps. Malaysia have su30mkm f18a/b

[paskal]

i wonder how a plane from the nation which doesn't have the experience in aircraft fighting will make such a good plane like US. At first Thailand has chosen for three choices first it is SU-30 (in Thailand therer is criticize that it consume such a lot from its two motor and the weapon which use for them must be buyed for all because thailand hasn't used any russia planes) second it is f16 c/d block60--after coup success in thailand at first the government plan to buy ths kind of plane but US don't deal to coup government (in my opinion i think that this is proper for thai not only the grteat performance ....than grippen.....but also the familiar of f16 which have used in thailand for decades ) and the last "jas 39". Sweden offer an attractive deal which is 2 erieyes, 3 round stations, 200 scholarships to educate areospace engineering in sweden and the last grippen source code ,which will improve thai engineer to develop or...... . So i dont quite sure that grippen will proper for it mission to protect the southern thai + gulf of Thailand from any threat . ps. Malaysia have su30mkm f18a/b

Yup i agree with you.
Just wanna correct one of your sentence malaysia doesnt have f18a/b the only have the f18c/d that is mainly used for night strike missions.

[Ozzy Blizzard]

Gripen & Erieye aren't co-dependent. Thailand is the 5th Erieye customer, & 5th Gripen customer. But they aren't the same 5 - 3 of the other Erieye customers don't have Gripen, & 3 of the other Gripen customers don't have Erieye.

Mate i didnt mean to imply that you cant use grippen without Erieye. You've missunderstood me. The point i was making was that in a combination of the two you get a much better capability than just spending the extra cash on more grippens. Its the whole "intergrated system" that GF talks about so much. Its the package that counts rather than just the platform, and although grippen may be outclassed by SU 30, the package of grippen and Erieye more than evens the score. And the fact that grippen and Erieye were purchased as in onedeal, 6+1 and 6+1 rather than two compleatly different purchases, shows this trend away from a "platform centric" mentality, as one member put it, to a "system/package centric" mentality. Thats all i meant.

[Ryttare]

i wonder how a plane from the nation which doesn't have the experience in aircraft fighting will make such a good plane like US. At first Thailand has chosen for three choices first it is SU-30 (in Thailand therer is criticize that it consume such a lot from its two motor and the weapon which use for them must be buyed for all because thailand hasn't used any russia planes) second it is f16 c/d block60--after coup success in thailand at first the government plan to buy ths kind of plane but US don't deal to coup government (in my opinion i think that this is proper for thai not only the grteat performance ....than grippen.....but also the familiar of f16 which have used in thailand for decades ) and the last "jas 39". Sweden offer an attractive deal which is 2 erieyes, 3 round stations, 200 scholarships to educate areospace engineering in sweden and the last grippen source code ,which will improve thai engineer to develop or...... . So i dont quite sure that grippen will proper for it mission to protect the southern thai + gulf of Thailand from any threat . ps. Malaysia have su30mkm f18a/b

You seem to be doubtful that Gripen is capable of defending Thailand, but I don't think you need to. According to what I've heard the main mission will be to protect the Thai waters and coasts and with modern anti shipping missiles and Gripen is very capable of that.

It's correct that Sweden has not been to war for a long time, but during the cold war the Swedish Airforce played cat and mouse with the Soviet fighter pilots. These experiences was used in the development of swedish fighters and Gripen was designed to be able to take on Su-27 and it's future versions.

But the Thai Airforce will be able to evaluate Gripen first hand and see what it can do. Also remembre that it's not only the machine but the pilot too and a good pilot can explore the strong sides of his plane. With the high availability and relatively low operational costs hopefully the pilots has a chanse of getting many hours in the air to practice their skillls even better.

[swerve]

Mate i didnt mean to imply that you cant use grippen without Erieye. You've missunderstood me. The point i was making was that in a combination of the two you get a much better capability than just spending the extra cash on more grippens. Its the whole "intergrated system" that GF talks about so much. Its the package that counts rather than just the platform, and although grippen may be outclassed by SU 30, the package of grippen and Erieye more than evens the score. And the fact that grippen and Erieye were purchased as in onedeal, 6+1 and 6+1 rather than two compleatly different purchases, shows this trend away from a "platform centric" mentality, as one member put it, to a "system/package centric" mentality. Thats all i meant.

I can't argue with that. Makes sense to me.

[weasel1962]

Deleted

[highnndry]

The Block 60 deal probably fell through when the coup happened. Doubt if the US Govt will support a military-run dictatorship headed by a muslim with unclear objectives and inclinations. Am surprised the Thais didn't go for the suks. I would have.

Huh!! Didn't know that the current Thai prsident is muslim? or are you being sarcastic.... hint Pakistan.

Our government have supported dictators and sold weapons to them, heck the whole middle east is run by dictators..... also remember Chile and Argentina. Anywho, I think we have vested interest in the region and we should support the Thai people and it's government ( I think we already do). I don't see ourselves denying the sale of F-16 to Thailand, I think there were some other reason for it ........

[radiosilence]

The Block 60 deal probably fell through when the coup happened. Doubt if the US Govt will support a military-run dictatorship headed by a muslim with unclear objectives and inclinations. Am surprised the Thais didn't go for the suks. I would have.

Are your sure it was Block 60? AFAIK, Thailand express interest in the Block 50/52.

[eaf-f16]

The Block 60 deal probably fell through when the coup happened. Doubt if the US Govt will support a military-run dictatorship headed by a muslim with unclear objectives and inclinations. Am surprised the Thais didn't go for the suks. I would have.

Doesn't the US have to get approval from the UAE first before they sell the Block 60/62 to another country seeing as they paid for the development of the Block 60/62? And also wouldn't that mean that the UAE gets money out of it?

[Skyman]

Hi, mate.

This deal will be slipted into 2 phases. First phase is 6 Gripens and 1 ERIEYE (With Saab 340, I believe), Second phase is another 6 Gripens, 1 ERIEYE, and 1 Saab 340 for, training and transport propose. It's also include RBS-15, support, training, spare part.

ERIEYE is not free. It's just a discount package.

US never offer Block 60. They offer Block 50/52+ for us.

Su-30MKIT.....I don't believe that RTAF should goes for the plane. OK it's a best jet in our 3 choices. But RTAF is considers NATO-oriented air force, and it's damn expensive to operate.

[weasel1962]

Deleted

[swerve]

Huh!! Didn't know that the current Thai prsident is muslim? or are you being sarcastic.... hint Pakistan.
........

Thailand has never had a president. It has a king.

The head of the army until a few weeks ago, & acting prime minister for a while after the coup, is a Muslim.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonthi_Boonratklin

[radiosilence]

Nope. Actually, I'm not sure if even the block was discussed. It never even got to the stage of submitting a notification to congress. In that respect, you can ignore the block offer.
.

18 October,2007
Before finally choosing the Gripen jets, the committee considered three jet fighter models in total. The two other models were the American-made F16 C/D and the Russian-made SU 30 MK

link (http://www.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/viewer.aspx)

[Gripenator]

i wonder how a plane from the nation which doesn't have the experience in aircraft fighting will make such a good plane like US. At first Thailand has chosen for three choices first it is SU-30 (in Thailand therer is criticize that it consume such a lot from its two motor and the weapon which use for them must be buyed for all because thailand hasn't used any russia planes) second it is f16 c/d block60--after coup success in thailand at first the government plan to buy ths kind of plane but US don't deal to coup government (in my opinion i think that this is proper for thai not only the grteat performance ....than grippen.....but also the familiar of f16 which have used in thailand for decades ) and the last "jas 39". Sweden offer an attractive deal which is 2 erieyes, 3 round stations, 200 scholarships to educate areospace engineering in sweden and the last grippen source code ,which will improve thai engineer to develop or...... . So i dont quite sure that grippen will proper for it mission to protect the southern thai + gulf of Thailand from any threat . ps. Malaysia have su30mkm f18a/b

So what?

An Erieye/Gripen combination with the Meteor BVRAAM (IOC 2010) will more than compensate for the (18) Su-30MKM in RMAF service. Its the systems that count-the Erieye has a detection range @ 350km, assuming variables such as a hostile electronic warfare environment eg. heavy radar clutter & low target altitudes (Malaysia does not possess any significant EW capability)
that is enough for an accompanying Gripen to recieve the feed and fire off up to two Meteors (range 100+km) before the -30MKM can squeeze off a R-77 in return (range 90-100km, type delivered to RMAF) as the RMAF is lacking AWACS and will likely lack for a further 8-10 years given budgetary constraints and the pressing need to induct a tactical lift capability BEFORE any AWACS.

Do the math. The expenditure of even 5-6 Meteors per Sukhoi is a bargain.

[qwerty223]

So what?

An Erieye/Gripen combination with the Meteor BVRAAM (IOC 2010) will more than compensate for the (18) Su-30MKM in RMAF service. Its the systems that count-the Erieye has a detection range @ 350km, assuming variables such as a hostile electronic warfare environment eg. heavy radar clutter & low target altitudes (Malaysia does not possess any significant EW capability)
that is enough for an accompanying Gripen to recieve the feed and fire off up to two Meteors (range 100+km) before the -30MKM can squeeze off a R-77 in return (range 90-100km, type delivered to RMAF) as the RMAF is lacking AWACS and will likely lack for a further 8-10 years given budgetary constraints and the pressing need to induct a tactical lift capability BEFORE any AWACS.

Do the math. The expenditure of even 5-6 Meteors per Sukhoi is a bargain.
LoL, I agreed that gripen + Erieye is a decent combination of air power. But Meteor is not going to be ready in near future, and even it reach the stage, AMRAAM and AA-12 too, will have the same standards. Note that advertisement don't describe the world as a whole, they only lead you to believe they are the only one.

EWs are always over estimated by military fans. The "facts" or "glory" of them were obtain through obsolate radars. Malaysian too is aware of the flaw, therefore new radars were ordered, MKM also fitted with EW pods. And military is about balancing, when Thai really stamp their contract, Malaysian will have their respond.

BTW, RMK9 gona end soon. According to budget of RMK9, RMK10 will have sufficient funding for AWACS.

[weasel1962]

Deleted

[Skyman]

AIR FORCE / PROCUREMENT OF GRIPEN FIGHTERS

Chalit insists purchase of Swedish jets appropriate, also the best deal
WASSANA NANUAM


Air force chief ACM Chalit Phukphasuk insisted yesterday the bid to purchase Saab Gripen jet fighters from Sweden was appropriate, saying the Swedish government offered the best deal.


He also said the jets' capacities suit geographical aspects in the deep South, where they would be deployed.


The cabinet on Tuesday approved the air force's plan to buy 12 Gripen multi-role fighters from Sweden at a cost of 34.4 billion baht.


ACM Chalit said before seeking approval from the cabinet the air force had appointed a committee to manage the procurement of new jet fighters, intended to replace its aging American-made F-5E fighters.


Before finally choosing the Gripen jets, the committee considered three jet fighter models in total. The two other models were the American-made F16 C/D and the Russian-made SU 30 MK.


Under the air force's selection criteria, the jets must be equipped with advanced technology with the potential for future upgrades. The technology must be comparable or no less sophisticated than those jet fighters used or to be purchased by governments in neighbouring countries, said ACM Chalit.


The jets must also suit the geographical aspects of military operations in the South, where the jets would be deployed over Thai territorial waters, both in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.


Besides, he said the air force must be able to develop its own control over future aircraft maintenance.


ACM Chalit said that the Burmese junta had bought F16 jets but could not get them off the ground at the moment due to sanctions imposed by the US.


In addition, the aircraft must suit the air force's needs in its attempt to develop a jet fighter command and control system and also a warning system for its future defence operations, he said.


ACM Chalit said Sweden had been more generous in its offer than the US and Russia in attempting to meet all the air force's procurement criteria.


Besides giving five additional aircraft for free, the producer of the Gripen jets also agreed to give the air force confidential details on the operations of the fighters called ''source code data'' that enables the air force to upgrade the defence capacity of the aircraft on its own in the future.


Scholarships for air force technicians to be trained exclusively in the maintenance of Gripen fighters were also offered, he said, adding that the US and Russia had not made such offers.


Gripen-JAS 39C/D aircraft are small jet fighters that are more technologically advanced than the US-made F16 fighters, he added.


ACM Chalit said Sweden would deliver Gripen jet fighters to the air force three years after the procurement contract is signed. Then, air force pilots would need about a year's training to pilot them.

BangkokPost

[Skyman]

RTAF also release the official whitebook to explane and clearify its Gripen program. It's name is "The technology of Balance".

It's in Thai, by the way. And I can not post the URL.


I will translate some interest part from the whitebook.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

One of the most interesting part of "The technology of Balance" is page 44 (Thai worte ๔๔) in Appendix II

Why RTAF don't opts for more F-16s or switch to Su30

The document said about the specification requirement of this program which you can finds it in the news above. And they said waht they think about each model


And the RTAF opinion.

- Su-30MK : Large jet, high payload. Suitable for the large geography like Russia. Flanker is big, which means its RCS is high. RTAF need to buy all new support and weapon and facility like building, hangar, maintainance site. The fuel consumption is very high. Structure, engine has a short life cycle. Life cycle cost is highest in these 3 models.

- F-16C/D: The medium multi-role jet. Capable for air-to-air and air-to-ground. Fuel comsumption is medium. Able to use the support facility of current F-16A/B. Technicians are very familar with the system. But the maintainance and usage has some limitation. Technology transfer also limit, and RTAF can procures only some type of weapon.

- JAS-39C/D Gripen: The performance is equal to another 4.5 generation fighter. Design for defence and counter the Warsaw Pact nation during the cold war. Weapon system and support is NATO standard. More flexible and suitable for the required geography. The main offer is consists of aircraft, AWE&C, technology transfer, support, and training.

They also mention in another part that Sweden has silimar geography compared to Southern Thailand, and the long good relationship between both countries and its Royal Family is also taken into consideration.

[radiosilence]

Your link points to a general site, can you perhaps provide a more accurate link? Thanks!

I find it interesting that the Su-30 wasn't selected. There would have at least commonality in terms of servicing and spare parts sourcing with a number of nations in the region eg India, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia. With the gripen, I think they could face some problems with spares over the next decade or so. Its not like there's a base of thousands of F16s to cannibalise or manufacturing facilities in the region that is supporting spares...

I will post the full article, for some reason the link is not working. IF you would like to verify it, go on the Bangkok post website and search the archives. The article appears on the front page of October 18, 2007.


AIR FORCE PROCUREMENT OF GRIPEN FIGHTERS
Chalit insists purchase of Swedish jets appropriate, also the best deal
WASSANA NANUAM


Air force chief ACM Chalit Phukphasuk insisted yesterday the bid to purchase Saab Gripen jet fighters from Sweden was appropriate, saying the Swedish government offered the best deal.


He also said the jets’ capacities suit geographical aspects in the deep South, where they would be deployed.


The cabinet on Tuesday approved the air force’s plan to buy 12 Gripen multi-role fighters from Sweden at a cost of 34.4 billion baht.


ACM Chalit said before seeking approval from the cabinet the air force had appointed a committee to manage the procurement of new jet fighters, intended to replace its aging Americanmade F-5E fighters.


Before finally choosing the Gripen jets, the committee considered three jet fighter models in total. The two other models were the American-made F16 C/D and the Russian-made SU 30 MK.


Under the air force’s selection criteria, the jets must be equipped with advanced technology with the potential for future upgrades. The technology must be comparable or no less sophisticated than those jet fighters used or to be purchased by governments in neighbouring countries, said ACM Chalit.


The jets must also suit the geographical aspects of military operations in the South, where the jets would be deployed over Thai territorial waters, both in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.


Besides, he said the air force must be able to develop its own control over future aircraft maintenance.


ACM Chalit said that the Burmese junta had bought F16 jets but could not get them off the ground at the moment due to sanctions imposed by the US.


In addition, the aircraft must suit the air force’s needs in its attempt to develop a jet fighter command and control system and also a warning system for its future defence operations, he said.


ACM Chalit said Sweden had been more generous in its offer than the US and Russia in attempting to meet all the air force’s procurement criteria.


Besides giving five additional aircraft for free, the producer of the Gripen jets also agreed to give the air force confidential details on the operations of the fighters called ‘‘source code data’’ that enables the air force to upgrade the defence capacity of the aircraft on its own in the future.


Scholarships for air force technicians to be trained exclusively in the maintenance of Gripen fighters were also offered, he said, adding that the US and Russia had not made such offers.


Gripen-JAS 39C/D aircraft are small jet fighters that are more technologically advanced than the US-made F16 fighters, he added.


ACM Chalit said Sweden would deliver Gripen jet fighters to the air force three years after the procurement contract is signed. Then, air force pilots would need about a year’s training to pilot them.

[paskal]

So what?

An Erieye/Gripen combination with the Meteor BVRAAM (IOC 2010) will more than compensate for the (18) Su-30MKM in RMAF service. Its the systems that count-the Erieye has a detection range @ 350km, assuming variables such as a hostile electronic warfare environment eg. heavy radar clutter & low target altitudes (Malaysia does not possess any significant EW capability)
that is enough for an accompanying Gripen to recieve the feed and fire off up to two Meteors (range 100+km) before the -30MKM can squeeze off a R-77 in return (range 90-100km, type delivered to RMAF) as the RMAF is lacking AWACS and will likely lack for a further 8-10 years given budgetary constraints and the pressing need to induct a tactical lift capability BEFORE any AWACS.

Do the math. The expenditure of even 5-6 Meteors per Sukhoi is a bargain.

i just wanna correct you statement dude:p:
Malaysia will recieve the eyerie and the super hornet in the RMK 10 plans.[2010-2015]
by the way pls show me your source that the Thailand forces has the METEOR missle.

PEACE:D

[Aussie Digger]

i just wanna correct you statement dude:p:
Malaysia will recieve the eyerie and the super hornet in the RMK 10 plans.[2010-2015]
by the way pls show me your source that the Thailand forces has the METEOR missle.

PEACE:D

Maybe. IF they can find the funding. I believe the RMAF chief last year stated that a second Squadron of SU-30's was the more pressing priority...

Gripenator never said Thailand HAS the Meteor missile. Notice he said, IOC 2010? Initial operating capability - 2010. Obviously Thailand intends to circumvent the US's restriction on supply AMRAAM by acquiring Meteor to arm it's Gripens with a BVR missile...

[Gripenator]

Maybe. IF they can find the funding. I believe the RMAF chief last year stated that a second Squadron of SU-30's was the more pressing priority...



Depends which service you ask.

The flyboys apparently want more Su-30MKMs for show and because they can do fancy maneuvers such as the Pugachev's Cobra etc:)

But the MA is pressing for an tactical airlift capability which those 4 A400s on order are meant to fill and a recent MOD assessment (June 2007) of the Malaysian Armed Forces has concluded that more emphasis needs to be placed on training and logistics rather than just acquisition-together with budgetary constraints stemming from the Kedah OPV project ($2.7bn overbudget with no units delivered) plus the c.900million urgent utility helo replacement means that no more Su-30s are likely to be delivered in the 2008-2012/15 time frame.

[Gripenator]

i just wanna correct you statement dude:p:
Malaysia will recieve the eyerie and the super hornet in the RMK 10 plans.[2010-2015]


PEACE:D

errrr.....NO.

In light of what I have already posted and the fact that the US won't give the Malaysians access to critical "design information" and source codes
READ: APG-79-the planned purchase of Super Hornets has stalled at the negotiation stage and according to industry sources-not going to progress any further-in any case, the RMAF seem to have concluded that the Su-30MKM is preferable, reasons unknown.

[Aussie Digger]

Depends which service you ask.

The flyboys apparently want more Su-30MKMs for show and because they can do fancy maneuvers such as the Pugachev's Cobra etc:)

But the MA is pressing for an tactical airlift capability which those 4 A400s on order are meant to fill and a recent MOD assessment (June 2007) of the Malaysian Armed Forces has concluded that more emphasis needs to be placed on training and logistics rather than just acquisition-together with budgetary constraints stemming from the Kedah OPV project ($2.7bn overbudget with no units delivered) plus the c.900million urgent utility helo replacement means that no more Su-30s are likely to be delivered in the 2008-2012/15 time frame.

Don't mistake me, I agree entirely with this POV. Professional mastery is FAR more important than flashy new equipment, IMHO. The ability to use what you have to your utmost ability is always more important.

Quality as opposed to quantity has always proved more important. Professionals concentrate on logistics, whilst amateurs concentrate on platforms...

However, I did read the chief of RMAF in his priorities for his fighter force, is keen on a second Sukhoi squadron, prior to the Super Hornets and AWACS capability, whatever that may turn out to be...

[qwerty223]

Depends which service you ask.

The flyboys apparently want more Su-30MKMs for show and because they can do fancy maneuvers such as the Pugachev's Cobra etc:)

But the MA is pressing for an tactical airlift capability which those 4 A400s on order are meant to fill and a recent MOD assessment (June 2007) of the Malaysian Armed Forces has concluded that more emphasis needs to be placed on training and logistics rather than just acquisition-together with budgetary constraints stemming from the Kedah OPV project ($2.7bn overbudget with no units delivered) plus the c.900million urgent utility helo replacement means that no more Su-30s are likely to be delivered in the 2008-2012/15 time frame.
Agreed with AG here. It is obvious the MiG-29Ns will not last until the mid of next decade. Complements for the SUs will probably be less chance of more SUs if only they want a 3 MRCA sqd formation, IMO, Hornet has a great chance, MiG-35 too a strong contender for the second sqd of MRCA. While OPV issue, 2 were commissioned, 2 more will sea trial soon, expected to be commissioned by the mid of 08 and (IMPOV) remainder will be in service by mid of 09.

Actually All SEA countries face the same issue after mid 90s. Assets from early 80s were aging and need replacement. Unfortunately Economy crisis struck them in 1997 caused modernization to be delay till the 21st century. Take MA for example, "modernization" refers not only "enhance", but their urgent need is to replace aging assets. 4 A400Ms, 18 Su-30MKMs and Trainers are just a beginning of a massive replacement programme. If Economy is stable, MAF will have new assets for every year in present-2015 time frame. Thai too will do about the same thing.

[paskal]

Maybe. IF they can find the funding. I believe the RMAF chief last year stated that a second Squadron of SU-30's was the more pressing priority...

Gripenator never said Thailand HAS the Meteor missile. Notice he said, IOC 2010? Initial operating capability - 2010. Obviously Thailand intends to circumvent the US's restriction on supply AMRAAM by acquiring Meteor to arm it's Gripens with a BVR missile...

sorry man:)
I thought i just heard he said something about the Thailand have the METEOR missles.
By the way i personally think that the RMAF should procure more su-30 and the most important the AWACS.
I dont think the super hornet will be that good without the proper weapons.
As what i see the russians are giving malaysian quite good weapons like the KH-59 ME.

i think in the RMF-10 plan malaysia would buy more su-30 and awacs to replace the old MIG-29 unless the RMAF prefer to upgrade it.
I would hope in 2015 the RMAF will have about 50 su-30 mkm.:nutkick

[Gripenator]

By the way i personally think that the RMAF should procure more su-30 and the most important the AWACS.
I dont think the super hornet will be that good without the proper weapons.
As what i see the russians are giving malaysian quite good weapons like the KH-59 ME.

i think in the RMF-10 plan malaysia would buy more su-30 and awacs to replace the old MIG-29 unless the RMAF prefer to upgrade it.
I would hope in 2015 the RMAF will have about 50 su-30 mkm.:nutkick

"The AWACS?"

Are you talking about the Erieye system because atm that is the only AWACS/AEW system available to the RMAF with the possible exception of a slightly downgraded E-2C.

How do you know the deal comes with KH-59s?
Our military attache in Kuala Lumpar has only observed AA-12s and LGMs on the hardpoints so far-either the RMAF aren't showing their full arsenal for the Sukhois or the Russians are running off their mouths again.

I would expect a full range of LGMs as well as the KH-29T but I'm not so sure about the -59s given that the RMAF wants to use the MKMs to fill the interdiction role with a secondary A2G capability.

[qwerty223]

"The AWACS?"

Are you talking about the Erieye system because atm that is the only AWACS/AEW system available to the RMAF with the possible exception of a slightly downgraded E-2C.

How do you know the deal comes with KH-59s?
Our military attache in Kuala Lumpar has only observed AA-12s and LGMs on the hardpoints so far-either the RMAF aren't showing their full arsenal for the Sukhois or the Russians are running off their mouths again.

I would expect a full range of LGMs as well as the KH-29T but I'm not so sure about the -59s given that the RMAF wants to use the MKMs to fill the interdiction role with a secondary A2G capability.
Since there is still no budget allocated for AWACS, no tech spec was quote and therefore Erieye is not the ONLY choice. There is still years to go. As time past by, situation might change frequently.

as for the AG package it is also quite impressive.
There was another demonstration to authorized media back in Subang AB, shortly after SU-30MKM reassembled in Malaysia. One of the Media, KL Security Review published this picture:

[paskal]

"The AWACS?"

Are you talking about the Erieye system because atm that is the only AWACS/AEW system available to the RMAF with the possible exception of a slightly downgraded E-2C.

How do you know the deal comes with KH-59s?
Our military attache in Kuala Lumpar has only observed AA-12s and LGMs on the hardpoints so far-either the RMAF aren't showing their full arsenal for the Sukhois or the Russians are running off their mouths again.

I would expect a full range of LGMs as well as the KH-29T but I'm not so sure about the -59s given that the RMAF wants to use the MKMs to fill the interdiction role with a secondary A2G capability.

Here is it.....

Air to air.

R-77
R-73
R 27R1

Air to land.

KH 29 T
KH 29TE
KH29 L
KH-31A
KH-31P
KH-59ME

For static bombing.

OFAB 100-120
OFAB 250-270
FAB 500

guns.

GsH 30-1 30mm kaliber


I got all this source from the local magazine TEMPUR.[confirmed]

The only reason the malaysians are going RUssians is because theyll give malaysia all the weapons that the MAF needs.
The US are not willing to give the weapons for the super hornet so thats why the RMAF go for the SU-30 mkm.

[nevidimka]

I believe even b4 the Meteor becomes operational, the ramjet Adder will be available to the su30 mkm.
And if the information is true, then i think its a good decision by MA to go with more su30mkm rather than Superhornet.

[Firehorse]

JAS 39 Gripen (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JAS_39_Gripen) were the first mass produced 4th generation fighters (http://www.gripen.com/en/GripenFighter/TheGripenFighter.htm), and been bought by South Africa, Czech Republic and Hungary. For Sweden, it assured "armed neutrality" up to the present. Thailand made a good choice- it has long coastline and is in the tough neighborhood (http://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_map/thailand.gif)!

[kickaflow]

F-18C/D, MIG-29, and SU-30MKM so how many fighters RMAF has?
and the hawks? i heard that RMAF is short in of pilots? and RMAF's pilot is kind of not from the top of the class and so because they all go for commercial airlines?
Here is it.....

Air to air.

R-77
R-73
R 27R1

Air to land.

KH 29 T
KH 29TE
KH29 L
KH-31A
KH-31P
KH-59ME

For static bombing.

OFAB 100-120
OFAB 250-270
FAB 500

guns.

GsH 30-1 30mm kaliber


I got all this source from the local magazine TEMPUR.[confirmed]

The only reason the malaysians are going RUssians is because theyll give malaysia all the weapons that the MAF needs.
The US are not willing to give the weapons for the super hornet so thats why the RMAF go for the SU-30 mkm.

[qwerty223]

F-18C/D, MIG-29, and SU-30MKM so how many fighters RMAF has?
and the hawks? i heard that RMAF is short in of pilots? and RMAF's pilot is kind of not from the top of the class and so because they all go for commercial airlines?
LoL, lets take it true. Did you heard of Malaysia had plane crash?:D

[nevidimka]

Well 3 Mig29N's did crash.

[nevidimka]

Well 3 Mig29's did crash.

n RMAF have 8 of the F/A D's! no C versions.

[qwerty223]

Well 3 Mig29's did crash.

n RMAF have 8 of the F/A D's! no C versions.
LoL, you dint get what i mean. I said "lets take it true", then, you heard of any crash? ;)

[kickaflow]

3? how was that? it might not be the pilot's fault or is it the aircrat malfunction, but did the pilot survived? so how many left now? but i just seen some of their pics on the malay independent day. how many years malaysia become independent? has malaysia ever go to war? with who? and the outcome? just wondering...
Well 3 Mig29's did crash.

n RMAF have 8 of the F/A D's! no C versions.

[qwerty223]

3? how was that? it might not be the pilot's fault or is it the aircrat malfunction, but did the pilot survived? so how many left now? but i just seen some of their pics on the malay independent day. how many years malaysia become independent? has malaysia ever go to war? with who? and the outcome? just wondering...
lol... nvm, you never get it...

Anyways, for the later questions, we (actually it was Malaya) independent since 1957, but form Malaysia in 1963, and declared 50th years of independence at present. We had Communist insurgency in the 60s. Indonesia attacked us in the mid 60s, both wars were assisted by Aus and UK, and their participation were the most important factor to led Malaysia in victory.

[paskal]

Well 3 Mig29N's did crash.

I thought there only 2 crashed.
One crashed on one of the mountains.The pilots got to evacuate but died upon impact.
The other one ejected safely.

[paskal]

F-18C/D, MIG-29, and SU-30MKM so how many fighters RMAF has?
and the hawks? i heard that RMAF is short in of pilots? and RMAF's pilot is kind of not from the top of the class and so because they all go for commercial airlines?

I never heard the MAF were shot in pilot.
Especially now when they just purchased a bunch of new pilatus and 8 aerbamacci from italy.,
With that procurement that proves that the RMAF needs more training aircraft for training.:rolleyes:

[robsta83]

Indonesia attacked us in the mid 60s, both wars were assisted by Aus and UK, and their participation were the most important factor to led Malaysia in victory.

Don't forget NZ ;)

[qwerty223]

Don't forget NZ ;)
Ops! Thanks for reminding.

[kickaflow]

thanks for your info:)

[Preceptor]

Discussion in the this has recently moved somewhat off topic to the air forces of surrounding countries. Kindly confine discussion in this thread to related areas. Namely either the current/future make up of Thailand's Air Force and/or current and future users of the Gripen and Erieye systems.

-Preceptor

[Skyman]

From Jane's Defence Page. I have no log in so I don't know the detail. Those negotiation maybe announced during Defence & Security 2007 on 7 - 10 Nov in Bangkok. (I can not post URL)


Sweden and Thailand discuss JAS 39 Gripen offset issues
Sweden and Thailand commenced discussion earlier this week over the offset arrangements tied to the Southeast Asian country's purchase of 12 JAS 39 Gripen multirole...
07-Nov-2007

[nevidimka]

With the ongoing development of the Grpen E/F with better range/avonics/radar, Thai s making a bad choice in buying the older version.

Why buy a plane that would be obsolete in a few years time? Trying to upgrade it to the latest version will only cost more.. n in terms of range, i dont think they could upgrade it to the E/F range due to structura differences.

[rattmuff]

With the ongoing development of the Grpen E/F with better range/avonics/radar, Thai s making a bad choice in buying the older version.

Why buy a plane that would be obsolete in a few years time? Trying to upgrade it to the latest version will only cost more.. n in terms of range, i dont think they could upgrade it to the E/F range due to structura differences.

What would you do?
Getting a bunch of "cheap" fighters and an AEW&C with acceptable performance within the next 2-3 years or gamble with several billions on a project that may take some 10-20 years before hitting the production line? Also consider that it may become a total failure. :D

Gripen "EBS" isn't "old".

[Ryttare]

With the ongoing development of the Grpen E/F with better range/avonics/radar, Thai s making a bad choice in buying the older version.

Why buy a plane that would be obsolete in a few years time? Trying to upgrade it to the latest version will only cost more.. n in terms of range, i dont think they could upgrade it to the E/F range due to structura differences.

It is always possible to wait for better and more capable fighters, but at a point you have to decide to buy whats best available at a reasonable price. Thailand will get a very good replacement for their F-5's and I believe they appreciate that it has an upgrade path that could make it a strong contender for replacing their F-16's in the future.

And the improved range, stronger engine and AESA radar will be demonstrated on an existing JAS 39B Gripen. So upgrades of existing Gripens could very well be possible at reasonable costs.

[qwerty223]

What would you do?
Getting a bunch of "cheap" fighters and an AEW&C with acceptable performance within the next 2-3 years or gamble with several billions on a project that may take some 10-20 years before hitting the production line? Also consider that it may become a total failure. :D

Gripen "EBS" isn't "old".
Well they just dont have the time for it, the need is urgent. Not only for a nation wide matter, even individual may encounter such circumstances.

[Skyman]

Since one sqn. of Royal Thai Air Force consists of 18 aircraft, The last F-5T Tigres will be retired in 10 years and we are short of 1 attack sqn., and if the Gripen can impress RTAF, in 2020 RTAF may fly 36 - 54 Gripen along with 2 F-16MLU sqn. and 1 F-16 ADF. :) And suppose we have a permission to buy F-35 in 2030 and F-16 were phase out then, 2 - 3 sqn. of Gripen will operate together with 3 sqn. of F-35

Hope everything is on the plan.

[Skyman]

ครม.เห็นชอบการเปลี่ยนแปลงการจัดซื้อเครื่องบิน รบ

นายไชยา แถลงเรื่องของกองทัพอากาศ ในการจัดซื้อเครื่องบิน สืบเนื่องจากคณะรัฐมนตรีได้มีการประชุม ครม. อนุมัติเมื่อวันที่ 16 ตุลาคม ที่ผ่านมา ตามที่กระทรวงคมนาคมเสนอ ที่จะจัดซื้อหาเครื่องบินขับไล่เอนกประสงค์ทดแทนเครื ่องบินขับไล่แบบ เอฟ 5 อี จำนวน 6 เครื่อง เป็นงบประมาณทั้งสิ้น 19,000 ล้านบาท เป็นงบผูกพัน 2551 - 2555 โดยเป็นเรื่องเดิมที่อนุมัติเห็นชอบในหลักการไป แล้ว และในครั้งนี้ทางกระทรวงกลาโหมมีการนำเสนอในลักษณะที ่มีการจัดซื้อเครื่องบิน เป็นเครื่องบิน กริพเพน 39 ซี/ดี มีข้อเสนอพิจารณา 2 ข้อ ที่ประชุมคณะรัฐมนตรีได้อนุมัติ 2 ประเด็น

ประเด็นที่ 1 กระทรวงกลาโหมพิจารณาเห็นว่ากองทัพอากาศดำเนินการอัน เป็นประโยชน์สูงสุดต่อทางราชการภายใต้มติ ครม. ตั้งแต่วันที่ 16 ตุลาคม และกรอบบันทึกความเข้าใจว่าด้วยความร่วมมือ ตามข้อ 2 โดยจำเป็นต้องจัดหาเครื่องบินประจำการ ดังนั้นเพื่อให้การดำเนินการโครงการเรียบร้อย ได้มีข้อเสนอ ดังนี้

1. ให้กระทรวงกลาโหม โดยกองทัพอากาศ ดำเนินการจัดซื้อเครื่องบินกริปเปน จีอาร์ไอพีอีเอ็น 39 ซี/ดี จำนวน 6 เครื่อง พร้อมอุปกรณ์ อะไหล่ การฝึกอบรม การปรับปรุงอาคารสถานที่ และการบริหารโครงการ เป็นเงิน 19,000 ล้านบาท โดยวิธีรัฐบาลต่อรัฐบาล (จี2จี) ระหว่างรัฐบาลไทยกับรัฐบาลสวีเดน

2. ให้ผู้บัญชาการทหารอากาศ เป็นผู้รับมอบอำนาจลงนามในข้อตกลงการซื้อขายเครื่องบ ิน ในนามรัฐบาลไทย รวมทั้งแก้ไขข้อตกลงการซื้อขายเครื่องบินโดยวงเงินรว มไม่เปลี่ยนแปลง

ทั้งนี้ มีการอธิบายจาก พล.อ.ชลิต พุกผาสุข ผู้บัญชาการทหารอากาศ ได้ข้อสรุปเพิ่มเติมว่า เมื่อเป็นเช่นนั้นแล้ว มีเงื่อนไขพิเศษที่รัฐบาลสวีเดนจะจัดให้ เป็นข้อที่ 3 คือ ทางรัฐบาลสวีเดน ในการเจรจากับคณะกรรมการ จะมีการจัดเครื่องบินควบคุมและแจ้งเตือนทางอากา ศ ติดตั้งอุปกรณ์เรดาร์แบบอีรีอาย 1 เครื่อง หรือ 1 ลำ กับเครื่องบินลำเลียงแบบ SAAV-340 จำนวน 1 เครื่อง พร้อมทั้งทุนการศึกษาระดับปริญญาโท จำนวน 92 ทุน และระบบดาต้าลิงก์ สำหรับการป้องกันทางอากาศในระบบควบคุมและแจ้งเตือนภา คใต้ เพราะฉะนั้นเครื่องบินที่มีการตกลงนั้นแบ่งเป็น 2 ส่วน ลักษณะประเภทเครื่องบิน คือ 1 ที่นั่ง จำนวน 2 ลำ และ 2 ที่นั่ง จำนวน 4 ลำ รวม 6 ลำ เฉพาะค่าจัดซื้อเครื่องบินพร้อมอุปกรณ์อะไหล่ และการฝึกอบรม 18,284 ล้านบาท

ส่วนเรื่องการปรับปรุงอาคารสถานที่และการบริหารโครงก าร ในส่วนกองทัพอากาศรับผิดชอบ ซึ่งต้องดำเนินการก่อนและหลังการรับมอบเครื่องบ ิน เป็นเงิน 716 ล้านบาท ทั้งหมดมี 3 ประเด็นด้วยกัน


Another update just of yesterday.

I'll translated only the important part.

1. The ministry of Defense will conducted the procurment porcess on 6 JAS-39 Gripen with spare part, associated equipment, training, ground facility installation and project management on the Government-to-Government basis.

2. Commander-in-Chief of RTAF, on behalf of Royal Thai Government, will sign the contact.

3. RTAF will recieved 1 Saab 340 equipped with ERIEYE radar, 92 master degree scholarship and Datalink system. 6 Gripens will be devided into 2 single-seat C models and 4 dual-seat D models. Overall price is 18,284 million Baht. RTAF will take responsibility on facility installation on the budget worth 716 million Baht.

:D

We can expect for the second batch soon. :)

[weasel1962]

Deleted

[lobbie111]

I think there will be another deal maybe (just speculating here) as there are three Thai Air Bases as shown here by this picture posted by someone before.

http://img73.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jasactionthailand1ha6.jpg

Because I think there will be 18 fighters and three AEWC aircraft, 6x fighters and one AEWC for each base.

I am suprised that they do not but another 3 additional twin seater's for training

just my 2 c

[Skyman]

I think there will be another deal maybe (just speculating here) as there are three Thai Air Bases as shown here by this picture posted by someone before.


Because I think there will be 18 fighters and three AEWC aircraft, 6x fighters and one AEWC for each base.

I am suprised that they do not but another 3 additional twin seater's for training

just my 2 c


No mate.

This pic only shown the combat radius of Gripen that airbrone on the different part of Thailand.

These 6 Gripen is only the first batch of this program. The overall program is 12 jets. And all Gripens will go to Wing7 on the lower circle. And RTAF may procure 6 more because 1 sqn. is consist of 18 jets.

We got another F-5 Sqn. It’s the Israeli-upgraded F-5T Tigres that we need to replace in 7-10 years. So if the F-5 replacement program was started again. It would be more 12 – 18 jets saparate from this procurement.

And we lack of 1 fighter sqn. which has no aircraft in commission.

Consider only RTAF , in 10 -20 years they might operate at least 24 Gripens or 54 Gripens on the optimistic looking.:)

[Skyman]

Yeah. RTAF already releases the news about Gripen after the cabinet approval. (in Thai lanugage)

They also release the time frame as follow

- Gripen will be delivered within 36 months after the contact has been signed. (sign around Jan - Feb 2008) First 3 jets in Jan 2011 and another 3 on Mar 2011 and RTAF will declare the combat ready on Sep 2011.
- Saab 340 and ERIEYE will be delivered in 2010.
- Training will begin in 2008.
- Spare part will be delivered in 2010
- Master Degree scholarship will be handed to Thailand in 2009 to 2012


And finally, ACM Chalit, Commander-in-Chief of RTAF, will after the Children's Day air show on 12 Jan leave for Sweden to sign the contact.

:D

[Skyman]

Thai cabinet approves budget for Saab Gripen fighters
By Siva Govindasamy

Thailand's cabinet has approved a 19 billion baht ($568 million) budget for the first phase of its F-X fighter competition, advancing an order for six Saab Gripen C/D fighters, plus accessories, spare parts and flight training programmes.

The aircraft will be used to replace part of the Royal Thai Air Force's fleet of Northrop F-5Es, which have fallen behind a newer generation of fighters operated by other south-eastern Asian nations, such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Thailand’s first Gripen is likely to be handed over late this year, with the last to be delivered in 2012, although Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration is still waiting for approval from its government to finalise the sale.

Bangkok also has options on a further six Gripens, but a decision on these will have to be made by a new government, with general elections having taken place in December.

A budget of 15.4 billion baht has been set aside for the second phase, with deliveries expected from 2013. Two Saab 340 airborne early warning aircraft have also been included as part of the overall Gripen deal (both types pictured below in Swedish air force markings).

http://www.flightglobal.com/assets/getAsset.aspx?ItemID=21093
© Frans Dely/Gripen International


Confirmation of the Gripen order follows several years of lobbying by Saab and the Swedish government, which had faced competition from types including the Boeing F/A-18, Lockheed Martin F-16C/D, RSK MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-30.

Buoyed by its success in Thailand, the Gripen team is now preparing its proposal for India's approximately $10.2 billion competition for 126 new multirole combat aircraft. The design faces opposition from the F/A-18, F-16 and MiG-35, plus Dassault's Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/01/15/220749/thai-cabinet-approves-budget-for-saab-gripen-fighters.html

-----------------------

Hey I need to explaine something on this news. :rolleyes:

- The name of this program is not F-X. In fact, the official name is "The procurement of replacement fighter of B.Kh.18A/B (F-5B/E)". But in Thailand we always called this program by its nickname, "Fighter Type 20th Porgram" or "B.Kh.20 Program"

- The delivery date is set to 2011

- MiG-29 never paticipated in this competition. It's only Gripen, F-16C/D, and Su-30MKIT. F/A-18E/F was added up later.

:vamp

[Skyman]

Update:

Press release
25 January 2008
Ministry of Defence

Sweden enters into an agreement with Thailand on Gripen

On Thursday 24 January, the Government authorised the Defence Materiel Administration to enter into an agreement with the air force in Thailand on the transfer of an integrated air surveillance system comprising JAS 39 Gripen and the Erieye radar surveillance system.

"It is very positive that Thailand has chosen Swedish Gripen now that it is renewing its air surveillance system. It will benefit Sweden and Swedish tax-payers. The Gripen system is very cost-efficient and I am pleased to see growing international interest in its acquisition," says Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors.

Thailand is to replace its present air surveillance system when parts of the country´s current air fleet are phased out in 2011. The system´s role will be to monitor Thailand´s airspace and conduct incident preparedness.

The agreement covers six Gripen aircraft, the Erieye radar surveillance system and the accompanying data-link systems. The order amounts to some SEK 3.8 billion. Delivery is planned to take place in early 2011.

Entry into force of the agreement is conditional upon the Swedish Inspectorate of Strategic Products (ISP) issuing export licences after a review.

http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/8182/a/96633

----------------------------------

Swedish Government Approves Thailand Deal

2008-01-25 | The negotiations have been carried out between the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Royal Thai Air Force.

This deal implies that Thailand will purchase six Gripen systems from the Swedish state, two of the C-version (single-seater) and four of the D-version (two-seater). The deal also covers two Saab 340 aircraft, one of will be equipped with Saab’s Erieye radar.

“This is a milestone and a very positive reinforcement for Saab. This means that there are now customers in six countries who have chosen Gripen. It is also very satisfying that the deal involves several other products from Saab, such as Saab 340, the Erieye surveillance radar and advanced command and control systems”, Åke Svensson, Saab’s CEO and President, comments on the deal.

Now that the government has approved the deal the negotiations between FMV and Saab can be finalised.

“This deal is extremely important for us in our work with potential Gripen customers. This is a new region of the world that now also chooses Gripen for its Air Force. We are now definitely world leading in the export of the new generation’s fighter aircraft and this confirms Gripen’s future export potential”, says Johan Lehander, Business unit manager at Gripen International.

http://www.saabgroup.com/en/MediaRelations/News/2008/the_swedish_government_approves_thailand_deal.htm

[Skyman]

ACM Chalit is now in Sweden and the contact will be signed today. PM Samak said he was already informed by ACM himself and he give the green light.

And several days ago, senior US officer just meet RTAF chief of staffs to discuess about the MLU program from Lockheed Martin on RTAF's F-16A/B/ADF along with weapon procurement which will be used in F-5, F-16MLU, and Gripen. :)

News release here.

Photo: http://img107.mytextgraphics.com/photolava/2008/02/09/0095201-49ggxesc3.jpeg

ACM Ittipol Supawong, Chief of Staff of Royal Thai Air Force welcomed Major General jeffrey A. Remington, Director of Air, Space and Information Operations, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii on 4 Feb 2008 to discuss about the Exercise Cope Tiger 08 and MLU program on F-16. They were also discussed about the procurement of weapon that would equipped with F-5, F-16, and Gripen.

[Skyman]

Gripen agreement between Sweden and Thailand signed

At a ceremony in Stockholm today, FMVs (Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) Director General Gunnar Holmgren and Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukbhasuk, Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), signed an agreement for the delivery of six Gripen multirole fighter aircraft of the latest version and a surveillance system

2008-02-11 | With this agreement RTAF will be able to replace its outgoing F-5 aircraft at the beginning of 2011. RTAF will get six Gripen multirole aircraft of the latest C and D version (four two-seat Gripen D and two single-seat Gripen C fighters) together with one Saab 340 Erieye surveillance system and one Saab 340 aircraft for training and transport.

Gunnar Holmgren and the Thai Air Force Chief Chalit Pukbhasuk at the contract signing
The Gripen system together with the Erieye surveillance system will give the RTAF the capability they have asked for regarding air surveillance and protection of Thailand’s territory.

In a comment to the agreement FMVs Director General, Gunnar Holmgren stated:

- We are of course very pleased that the RTAF have chosen the Gripen and Erieye systems to meet their future needs. Since we are well aware of the capability of both systems in Sweden, I am convinced that the RTAF also will be satisfied when they have started to operate the Gripen and Erieye.

The agreement also includes comprehensive logistic support and training of RTAF pilots and technicians, as well as simulators. Sweden will also provide Swedish Air Force pilots and technicians as advisors in Thailand during the introduction of the Gripen and Erieye systems in RTAF.

The delivery of the aircraft will take place in the beginning of 2011. The training in Sweden will start in 2009.

The total value of the agreement is 19 Billion Baht.

For further information please contact Ulf Lindström, Communications Manager at FMV, cell phone + 46 70 982 63 96, E-mail: ulf.lindstrom@fmv.se

Photo: :D

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/8861/imagevaulthandler4963f6cc1.jpg

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/1075/imagevaulthandler486226el1.jpg

[Creative]

Gripen's a good plane. They should be satisfied and proud.

[Skyman]

Old news back to the signing date. But worth to look also.

AIR FORCE / PURCHASE OF SWEDISH FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

Chalit hopes Samak govt won't review Gripen jets deal
WASSANA NANUAM



Photo
http://www.bangkokpost.com/140208_News/140208_new03.jpg
Air force chief ACM Chalit Phukphasuk points at a model of the Swedish
Gripen jet fighter during a press conference at air force headquarters at Don Muang. The air force chief returned yesterday from Sweden, where he signed a deal to buy six Gripen JAS-39 C/D multi-purpose aircraft.

Air force chief ACM Chalit Phukphasuk hopes the Samak government will rise above politics and approve the second half of the Gripen jet fighter package with Sweden.

He also fervently hopes Prime Minister and Defence Minister Samak Sundaravej will not reconsider the 19-billion-baht order he signed this week for six of the multi-purpose jets.

ACM Chalit, who was a key member of the military junta that toppled the Thaksin government in 2006, was speaking yesterday on his arrival back from Sweden, where he signed a memorandum of understanding to buy six Gripen JAS-39 C/D aircraft.

The air force commander said Mr Samak and the new government should not review the deal.

''If politics changes the project, then our politics and our nation will be regarded as unreliable by the world community,'' he said.

''But I believe in the prime minister and defence minister because he is a senior figure in society and has been in politics for a long time.''

ACM Chalit said he had earlier explained the deal to Mr Samak. The prime minister had not baulked at the price and he believed Mr Samak had a good understanding of the deal.

The purchase of the first six Gripen aircraft was approved by the Surayud Chulanont cabinet on Jan 24, just before it completed its tenure.

The air force earlier submitted a 34-billion-baht proposal to buy 12 of the planes to replace its old Vietnam-era Northrop F5E fighters.

The cabinet agreed the air force should buy six jets first, using a five-year tied-over budget starting this year.

ACM Chalit said he was not certain the other six planes would be bought.

''The procurement of the other six will depend on my junior officers at the air force, and the new government as I am retiring this September,'' he said. Sweden is to deliver the first three planes in January 2011 and the other three in March that year.

The air force chief said the Gripen order marks a new era of military aircraft purchases. Thailand used to depend mostly on American products.

The air force earlier planned to upgrade its F16 C/D jets, but the US shelved assistance for upgrading the planes after the coup on Sept 19, 2006.

Under the Swedish deal, Gripen agreed to supply all accessories, including radar systems and air-to-ship, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles that are comparable to the advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles of the US, ACM Chalit added.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/140208_News/14Feb2008_news08.php

---------------------------

There are some issues here.

- "The air force earlier planned to upgrade its F16 C/D jets, but the US shelved assistance for upgrading the planes after the coup on Sept 19, 2006." ..... it's actually restart now. According to this news. Also Thai Gripen will be equipped with US weapon.


Photo
http://img107.mytextgraphics.com/photolava/2008/02/09/0095201-49ggxesc3.jpeg
ACM Ittipol Supawong, Chief of Staff of Royal Thai Air Force welcomed Major General jeffrey A. Remington, Director of Air, Space and Information Operations, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii on 4 Feb 2008 to discuss about the Exercise Cope Tiger 08 and MLU program on F-16. They were also discussed about the procurement of weapon that would equipped with F-5, F-16, and Gripen.

- ''The procurement of the other six will depend on my junior officers at the air force, and the new government as I am retiring this September,'' ..... so it's mean that the second batch will be approved in late 2008 at the most early date. But I expect the approval in mid-2009 to meet the Thai Gripen production line so they can establish a 12-jets sqn. in the same time.

- There are still no news about the review of the program now.

[contedicavour]

Buying only 6 Gripen wouldn't make any sense whatsoever, cost-wise, training-wise, maintenance-wise...
I'm waiting to see what new attitude the US government will have towards the new democratically elected Thai government. If US military cooperation resumes then we might see a F18 deal reappear on the horizon... with all those obsolete A7s still in service !!

cheers

[zeven]

Contedicavour,

ehm. it´s at least two Batch, 6+1 and 6+1 and probably a third too.

so its at least 12 gripen, and with awacs, meteor,Irs-T it will be more than enough against the mig 29s

[Aussie Digger]

Buying only 6 Gripen wouldn't make any sense whatsoever, cost-wise, training-wise, maintenance-wise...
I'm waiting to see what new attitude the US government will have towards the new democratically elected Thai government. If US military cooperation resumes then we might see a F18 deal reappear on the horizon... with all those obsolete A7s still in service !!

cheers

Thailand like most SE Asian Countries simply doesn't have the budget to payf for her entire Squadron plus 2x AEW&C aircraft and the rest in one hit.

They can only afford to buy them in batches and whilst this may nt be the cheapest way of doing things, it's the only way it's going to happen...

[qwerty223]

Contedicavour,

ehm. it´s at least two Batch, 6+1 and 6+1 and probably a third too.

so its at least 12 gripen, and with awacs, meteor,Irs-T it will be more than enough against the mig 29s
No offence, but both RMAF and Vietnames AF operates more powerful aircraft with the mig-29 pending to retire.

[Skyman]

Actually The Super Hornet also involved in this saga. Boeing quietly push it into the competition at the last minute. So Super hornet actually 'lost' to gripen in Thailand conpetition. :p:

No one say Gripen is the best aircraft in the world, my friend. But the conbination of Gripen+Erieye+RBS-15+technology transfer give us the good chance to got the complete system in one package and one payment. As I said earlier Americian system is good but they offered only a naked jets. We do not have much money to spend because we face the economic crisis last year. :vamp

So money is the main reason why RTAF splits this program into 2 phases to let RTAF pay all jets for the 10 years duration. The second batch will be approved no later than 2009 and jets in these 2 phases will be delivered in the same period of time to let the other 6 enter the production line behide the 1st phase. Maybe we will see all 12 Gripens in 2011 - 2012.

Since 1 sqn. of RTAF is consists of 18 aircrafts so we can expect the 3rd batch also. :D

[swerve]

No offence, but both RMAF and Vietnames AF operates more powerful aircraft with the mig-29 pending to retire.

Systems, not platforms. The Thais aren't buying Gripens, they're buying a networked system, including AEW. The Gripens are just one element.

[contedicavour]

Still, the Vietnamese will soon be operating 30+ SU30 with R73 and R77. By the time the Thais get the Meteors on the Gripen the Russians will probably have come up with an improved R77 as well. IRIS-T has longer range than R73, true, but 30+ SU30 against 12 or eventually 18 Gripen is still a tough comparison.
What I don't get is why Thailand is buying expensive new planes when there are A7, F5 and even older F16 requiring urgent replacements. It would have made more sense to buy several second hand Hornets instead...

cheers

[zeven]

Qwerty
yeah right, you actually think, the migs will spot Gripen before, Gripen spots the migs? in your dreams, gripen with awac:s have time to fire at least 2 meteor, before the migs even consider to fire a missile. and with some help of TIDLS the poor MIgs don´t stand a chance.

[qwerty223]

Qwerty
yeah right, you actually think, the migs will spot Gripen before, Gripen spots the migs? in your dreams, gripen with awac:s have time to fire at least 2 meteor, before the migs even consider to fire a missile. and with some help of TIDLS the poor MIgs don´t stand a chance.
All i can say is WTF?!
Mind use your brain to understand before you launch your attack?
I clearly meant that Fulcrum is outdated and Thais should aim themselves a more powerful enemy!

[contedicavour]

Exactly, the latest SU30 in a version such as MKI equipped with several R73 and R77. Since I wouldn't expect a 100-km BVR shot out of the blue, the Thais would know thanks to the Erieye that the Sukhois are coming but wouldn't attack until the Sukhois spot them on their radars and start acting aggressively. In a nasty confrontation around the 20-30km range between numerically superior Sukhois (reminder : 30 vs 12 or 18 at best) and Gripens having a mini-AWACS wouldn't change much.

cheers

[SlyDog]

Ok,..."take away" every possible advantage for one part in a potential conflict...how will it be possible to win then?

Add: to put it diffrent, what advantage would F18 bring into such scenario?

Gripen is not that cheep to buy. But by time its possible to put more money for further procurement as a result of low maintain cost.

[SlyDog]

Exactly, the latest SU30 in a version such as MKI equipped with several R73 and R77. Since I wouldn't expect a 100-km BVR shot out of the blue, the Thais would know thanks to the Erieye that the Sukhois are coming but wouldn't attack until the Sukhois spot them on their radars and start acting aggressively. In a nasty confrontation around the 20-30km range between numerically superior Sukhois (reminder : 30 vs 12 or 18 at best) and Gripens having a mini-AWACS wouldn't change much.

cheers

Argueing like this is to say: OK, thais will not take advantage of using a "mini-AWACS" - so a "mini-AWACS" will not bring them any advantage :confused:

[Skyman]

Still, the Vietnamese will soon be operating 30+ SU30 with R73 and R77. By the time the Thais get the Meteors on the Gripen the Russians will probably have come up with an improved R77 as well. IRIS-T has longer range than R73, true, but 30+ SU30 against 12 or eventually 18 Gripen is still a tough comparison.
What I don't get is why Thailand is buying expensive new planes when there are A7, F5 and even older F16 requiring urgent replacements. It would have made more sense to buy several second hand Hornets instead...

cheers

:)

A-7E: We are already forget them.
F-5: We've actually upgraded them. The last F-5 sqn. was upgraded by Israle.
F-16: We are putting Falcon Up/Star and about to launch MLU program which will extend the service life to around 2030.

Exactly, the latest SU30 in a version such as MKI equipped with several R73 and R77. Since I wouldn't expect a 100-km BVR shot out of the blue, the Thais would know thanks to the Erieye that the Sukhois are coming but wouldn't attack until the Sukhois spot them on their radars and start acting aggressively. In a nasty confrontation around the 20-30km range between numerically superior Sukhois (reminder : 30 vs 12 or 18 at best) and Gripens having a mini-AWACS wouldn't change much.

cheers

Don't forget F-16s. RTAF operates 57 F-16s now. The MLU program gonna start this year or no later than 2009 and RTAF requirement is datalink in F-16s. So you may needs falcons in your equation. :D

[Ozzy Blizzard]

Exactly, the latest SU30 in a version such as MKI equipped with several R73 and R77. Since I wouldn't expect a 100-km BVR shot out of the blue, the Thais would know thanks to the Erieye that the Sukhois are coming but wouldn't attack until the Sukhois spot them on their radars and start acting aggressively. In a nasty confrontation around the 20-30km range between numerically superior Sukhois (reminder : 30 vs 12 or 18 at best) and Gripens having a mini-AWACS wouldn't change much.

cheers

The information dominance Eryeie will bring to the RTAF would be more than a counter for such a numerical superiority.

As a really basic example (there are plenty more), the grippen will be able to take BVR missile shots without useing its radar and can maneuver as soon as the missile is launched, the flankers can not (they need to track the target with their own radars untill the R77 aquires the gripen). This means if the Vietnamese want to have a decent chance of the R77's hitting their rapidly maneuvering gripens they have to fly directly into the incoming Meteors/AMRAAM's. That is a HUGE disadvantage.

This doesnt take the huge desision makeing advantages into account.

[contedicavour]

:)

A-7E: We are already forget them.
F-5: We've actually upgraded them. The last F-5 sqn. was upgraded by Israle.
F-16: We are putting Falcon Up/Star and about to launch MLU program which will extend the service life to around 2030.



Don't forget F-16s. RTAF operates 57 F-16s now. The MLU program gonna start this year or no later than 2009 and RTAF requirement is datalink in F-16s. So you may needs falcons in your equation. :D

Thks for all this info ! The F16s will be carrying AIM120B then ? Or some Israeli Derby BVR missile ?

cheers

[contedicavour]

The information dominance Eryeie will bring to the RTAF would be more than a counter for such a numerical superiority.

As a really basic example (there are plenty more), the grippen will be able to take BVR missile shots without useing its radar and can maneuver as soon as the missile is launched, the flankers can not (they need to track the target with their own radars untill the R77 aquires the gripen). This means if the Vietnamese want to have a decent chance of the R77's hitting their rapidly maneuvering gripens they have to fly directly into the incoming Meteors/AMRAAM's. That is a HUGE disadvantage.

This doesnt take the huge desision makeing advantages into account.

Ok I see your point. I just wanted to highlight that an almost 1:3 ratio (12 vs 30) in modern superiority fighters is unlikely to be fully made up for by having a Erieye AEW platform. Buying second hand F18s would have saved enough money to bring the ratio to a more manageable 1:2...

However our friend from Bangkok just brought up the very good point that if you add 57 MLU F16s in the equation this changes the situation massively in Thailand's favour despite the small number of Gripens.

cheers

[Skyman]

Thks for all this info ! The F16s will be carrying AIM120B then ? Or some Israeli Derby BVR missile ?

cheers

The news from Defense & Security Expo 2007 in Bangkok said that Lockheed Martin will provides the MLU kit for RTAF F-16s. Maybe it's gonna be like mini-CCIP and RTAF already has AIM-120C in its inventory. So it's should be AIM-120C. :cool:

Cheers!!!

[qwerty223]

Ok I see your point. I just wanted to highlight that an almost 1:3 ratio (12 vs 30) in modern superiority fighters is unlikely to be fully made up for by having a Erieye AEW platform. Buying second hand F18s would have saved enough money to bring the ratio to a more manageable 1:2...

However our friend from Bangkok just brought up the very good point that if you add 57 MLU F16s in the equation this changes the situation massively in Thailand's favour despite the small number of Gripens.

cheers
Well since someone brought up future plan, and took account of upgrading the current fleet, i would like to point out a common blind spot. Military power is a dynamic equation. However most of the time, when we(forumers) tried to counter the other side of the equation, we changed the value on our side but neglect corresponding adjustment on the other. Anyways, i foreseen neighbors of the Thai will soon have some progress that will turn the equation if the Thai did not acquire the next batch of Gripen as soon as possible.

[contedicavour]

The news from Defense & Security Expo 2007 in Bangkok said that Lockheed Martin will provides the MLU kit for RTAF F-16s. Maybe it's gonna be like mini-CCIP and RTAF already has AIM-120C in its inventory. So it's should be AIM-120C. :cool:

Cheers!!!

Lucky you ! AIM 120 C... in Italy we are still stuck with AIM 120 B because we are eventually expecting the formidable Meteor air to air BVR missile. However in the meanwhile we have Typhoons flying with the -B version :(

cheers

[Pert]

the best part to wait is to see they (RTAF,RMAF and RSAF) do a joint exercise...just imagine Thais with Gripen,Msia with SU-30MKM and Singapore with F-15...:)
but this MAYBE will be real within 3-5 years since all of them just receive/order this aircraft and need to be expert before participate in joint exercise...

[Skyman]

the best part to wait is to see they (RTAF,RMAF and RSAF) do a joint exercise...just imagine Thais with Gripen,Msia with SU-30MKM and Singapore with F-15...:)
but this MAYBE will be real within 3-5 years since all of them just receive/order this aircraft and need to be expert before participate in joint exercise...

3 Fighters from 3 Continents. Interesting.

On Thailand, currently we have an annual exercise with Singapore & US called Cope Tiger. Exercise with Singapore, US, Japan, Indonesia called Cobra Gold. (Japan and Indonesia do not send their aircraft) The biannual exercise with Malaysia call Air Thamal.

If 3 countries can set up the joint exercise it would be very good. :D

[Skyman]

SPOTLIGHT
Wings of change

Turning away from US F16s and opting for Swedish fighter jets marks a big change in air force thinking, writes Saritdet Marukatat and Wassana Nanuam.



Volvo cars on the streets, Ericsson mobile phones in people's hands and, soon, Gripen jets in the sky. Consumers are already familiar with many Swedish products, which are renowned for their durability and simplicity. And now the air force has a liking for Swedish fighter jets.


When the first of the new Gripen 39 C/D planes reach Thailand in 2011, it will be the first time in modern history that the air force's frontline combat aircraft have not been made in the United States. In the past the army and the air force have relied on tanks and planes made in the US.


The air force has opted for the multi-purpose Swedish aircraft, which was chosen over Russia's SU-30 jets because of several factors besides the price tag. One option the air force had before deciding on the Swedish fighters was to upgrade its F16 fleet.


The Gripen jets use shorter runways for landing and takeoff than the American planes, air force chief Chalit Phukphasuk said.


They can fly up to four hours after refuelling in the air, they give the air force real time operation with data links to central command and they fit in with the intentions of Thailand.


Special bonuses that also come with the 19-billion-baht deal for six of the multi-purpose Swedish planes include guaranteed spare parts, training, another aircraft equipped with an airborne early warning system, scholarships for Thai pilots and a transport plane.


Under the deal sealed between the Swedish firm and the Thai air force in Stockholm on Feb 9, four two-seater Gripen jets and two one-seater jets will be delivered in 2011. Another six will be purchased in the future.


However, the deal has met with criticism over the apparent rush for approval before the retirement of the military-installed government of then prime minister Surayud Chulanont. Gen Surayud's cabinet agreed in principle to the deal in October last year and officially approved it in January, a month before it stepped aside for the elected government led by the People Power party.


When Gen Surayud took the helm as government leader, the army also pushed for the purchase of armoured vehicles from Ukraine.


But ACM Chalit, who chaired the now-defunct coup-making body _ the Council for National Security _ after army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin stepped down, dismissed the criticism. The arms purchase was a long-term plan as the country needed new planes to replace the old, Vietnam-era F5 fighters, he argued.


An independent security source said the Gripen deal underlined the need for Thailand to end the domination of military equipment from the US, which is Thailand's key security ally.


''The freeze in defence assistance after the coup was a factor. It made the top brass realise that it is time for diversification,'' said the source. The US ban was affecting the nation's security, its ability to defend itself.


''The temporary ban on defence aid definitely was a factor''.


The Gripen jets will be replacing the US-made F5 fighters which are gradually being phased out. The last F5s will be retired in the same year the Swedish planes arrive. Thailand's first squadron of 12 F16 jets were purchased from the US in 1988, followed by further orders of new and refurbished F16s. By 2039 they will all be retired, according to the air force leader.


The six Gripen planes will be stationed at Surat Thani air base where the F5s are being decommissioned. ''Gripens are more suitable for operations over the sea,'' said ACM Chalit.


The location where the new jets will be stationed is very important.


The fighters, which will be equipped with air-to-ship missiles, will be the main protector of the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea. They will also be available for the southern provinces where the insurgency has disrupted security since 2004.


''Gripens will be a cover for the Thai navy,'' he said. ''They will not be here as part of an arms race. They will be here for defence purposes.''

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/17Mar2008_news21.php

[Paxter]

Just commenting on something posted on the previous page. Fighter vs Fighter i have no doubts over the SU-30s abilites, but as a whole package the Gripen + erieye + weapons load outs. Puts its direct neighbors in a disadvantage. Especially if Say Malaysia or Vietnam Are the aggressors. Seems like the thai's did the right thing 6 fighters to 1 erieye thats a good defense set up. Something i wish Malaysia taught about rather than keep on wanting to get those SH.

[Skyman]

AIR FORCE GRIPENS

Saab: Jets won't be out of date
WASSANA NANUAM


LINKOPING, SWEDEN : The Gripen jet fighters to be delivered to the Thai air force will still be state of the art, despite the roll-out of a demonstration model of a new version, the Swedish manufacturer says. On Wednesday, Gripen revealed a demonstration model of its new generation jet fighter in the Swedish city of Linkoping and celebrated the sale of its planes to four countries, including Thailand.


The next generation of Gripen jets will have a more advanced radar system, a new engine and new avionics architecture, said the president and chief executive officer of Saab, Ake Svansson. Saab is the manufacturer of Gripen jets.


Saab test pilot Magnus Olisson said Thailand should not be concerned that its fighters will be out of date because the new version is still in the development process and will not be available until about 2015.


The air force signed a deal in February with the company to buy six Gripen multirole aircraft of the latest C and D version (four two-seat Gripen D and two single-seat Gripen C fighters), a Saab aerial surveillance system and one Saab 340 aircraft for training and transport, logistics support, the training of pilots and technicians and scholarships.


The total value of the deal is 19 billion baht, according to a statement from Gripen. Delivery is set for 2011.


Mr Svansson said there will be no delays delivering the six aircraft and the technology to the air force. He also dismissed rumours that the fighters destined for Thailand will be old ones refurbished.


''We will build new Gripen fighter aircraft for Thailand,'' he said.


He described the Thai purchase as ''a big change for the Thai air force'' and for the firm. Thailand is the first Asian country to buy Gripen jets, which will replace its ageing F-5 fighters made in the US.


Swedish Defence Minister Sten Tolgfors said the deal with Thailand underlined the close ties between the two countries and a long-term commitment to logistic support for the air force.


The air force plans to buy six more fighters of the same type from Sweden. But the decision on the next purchase has not been finalised.


Mr Svansson said he hoped Thai politics will not hamper that plan.


The air force will station the Swedish fighters at a base in Surat Thani

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/25Apr2008_news14.php