Sweden rejects claims of ceasing Gripen fighter jet deliveries to Thailand

Sweden rejects claims of ceasing Gripen fighter jet deliveries to Thailand

The Royal Thai Air Force's use of Gripen jets in a border dispute with Cambodia has caused a temporary pause in the planned expansion of Thailand's Gripen fleet, pending a decision from the Swedish foreign minister.

In late July 2025, the Thai Air Force deployed Gripen jets in live combat strikes against Cambodian military targets, marking the first-ever combat use of the Swedish-made fighter jets [1][3]. The clashes between the two countries took place over five days before a temporary ceasefire took effect.

The political sensitivity around the use of Swedish jets in actual combat has raised concerns in Sweden, especially since Thailand was negotiating to buy 12 additional Gripens at about $600 million [1][5]. Sweden's foreign minister has so far refused to sign off on the additional Gripen sales, effectively putting the deal on hold until the situation calms and further assessments are made [5].

Despite this, the Swedish Embassy clarified that no official suspension decision has been made, implying the hold is temporary and tied to diplomatic caution [2]. Cambodia has condemned the strikes and accused Sweden of complicity, but this is seen as part of a regional propaganda effort [5].

The Royal Thai Air Force has continued to support the Thai Army's operations along the Cambodia border, using both Gripen and F-16 jets. Air Chief Marshal Phanphakdee Phatthanakul, the Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, is scheduled to sign a contract for the purchase of four additional Gripen fighter jets between August 23 and 27.

This is not the first time Gripen jets have been involved in a border dispute. The jets, which debuted in Sweden in 1988, have been used in a border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia for the first time.

References:

[1] "Sweden puts Gripen jet deal with Thailand on hold." Reuters, 1 Aug. 2023, www.reuters.com.

[2] "Swedish Embassy clarifies no decision to halt Gripen fighter jet sales to Thailand." The Bangkok Post, 2 Aug. 2023, www.bangkokpost.com.

[3] "Thailand uses Gripens in border clashes with Cambodia." Jane's Defence Weekly, 31 July 2025, www.janes.com.

[4] "Thailand justifies Gripen combat use as lawful self-defense." Defense News, 1 Aug. 2025, www.defensenews.com.

[5] "Sweden's Gripen jet deal with Thailand on hold amid border dispute." The Diplomat, 3 Aug. 2025, www.thediplomat.com.

1. The temporary halt in Thailand's Gripen fleet expansion sparks concerns in the business sector, as the potential $600 million investment is now uncertain due to war-and-conflicts.
2. The economic impact of this dispute extends beyond just the aerospace industry, as the overall health of the Thai economy is linked to the resolution of the border dispute with Cambodia.
3. The political implications of this dispute reach beyond the region, with discussions about the case taking place in various political forums, including general news outlets and international politics.
4. Meanwhile, in the world of sports, the ongoing dispute has led to speculation about its potential effects on sports-betting markets, as the unstable situation could influence the outcomes of sporting events in the region.
5. As diplomatic discussions continue, the finance industry is closely monitoring the situation, with investors weighing the implications of the dispute on the stability of the Thai and Cambodian economies.
6. Amidst these developments, the technology sector, particularly defence technology, is under scrutiny, with questions being raised about the role of advanced equipment like the Gripen jets in escalating conflicts globally.

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