At a ceremony in Linköping on December 13 FMV handed over a Saab 340 Erieye AEW and a Saab 340 for transport and training to the Royal Thai Air Force. It is the first elements of the integrated air defense system that Thailand has bought from Sweden.
This is the first delivery from the agreement FMV signed with Thailand in 2008.
Per Nilsson, who is responsible for the Thailand project at FMV, signed shipping documents, together with Air Marshal Songtam Chokkanapitag from the RoyalThai Air Force. Gunnar Jonsson, who is project manager for the 340-part of the project,handed over the logbooks.
The agreement of 2008 between FMV, as a representative of the Swedish state, and Thailand, covers six Gripen aircraft (4 JAS 39D and 2 JAS 39C) with associated equipment and services, a Saab 340 aircraft with airborne radar surveillance system, a Saab 340 for transport and education and an integrated Command and Control system with data links.
The agreement contains, in addition, an extensive logistical support, training for Thai pilots and technicians as well as simulators. Sweden will also help as advisors in Thailand during the introduction of the Gripen and the Erieye system in the Thai Air Force.
Total solution
The equipment, together with the commitment to train pilots and technicians as well as bilateral agreements for the development of advanced data link and transfer of technology, form a comprehensive solution. Deliveries of the remaining system components will occur during the first quarter of 2011.
In November 2010 FMV signed a new agreement with Thailand, which covers six Gripen fighters of the latest C version, along with an additional Saab 340 with Erieyeradar and the Swedish missile RB 15F. Delivery of the components of the defense system will take place during 2012 and 2013.
As part of the contract, Sweden will transfer the latest technology in advanced military aircraft to Thailand. The purpose of this is through long-term partnership develop the aerospace and defense skills in Thailand. This will also serve as a base for industry in Thailand in terms of future development.
