Sweden rejects claims of halting Gripen fighter jet deliveries to Thailand
The recent controversy surrounding the use of Gripen jets along the Thai-Cambodian border has led to misinformation about Sweden's plans for future sales of these aircraft to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). However, official statements from the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok confirm that there is no suspension of the Gripen fighter jet sales to Thailand at this time.
The controversy arose from the RTAF's recent use of Gripen jets in defending Thai sovereignty, which sparked reports in Cambodian media outlets. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub described these claims as "a daily dose of lies from Cambodia's media outlets." He added that the reports were in response to the air force's deployment of Gripen jets.
The Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok has officially denied reports claiming Sweden has suspended further sales of Gripen fighter jets to Thailand. The Swedish Foreign Minister, while expressing concerns and closely monitoring the situation, has not issued a formal block or suspension of the arms deal.
Despite heightened regional tensions, Thailand continues with plans to purchase additional Gripen jets. The contract signing is scheduled for late August 2025. Jirayu Houngsub, in urging Thais to combat disinformation, advised against believing or sharing reports without proper verification.
The clarification was made on the Embassy's Facebook page, reaffirming that the deal remains unaffected. The controversy is a reminder for all parties to verify information before sharing it, especially during times of heightened tension.
The financial implications of the ongoing controversy between Thailand and Cambodia, with regards to the use of Gripen jets, have yet to be seen, as the deal remains unaffected. This situation is significant for the aerospace industry, as it signifies continued interest in purchasing Swedish jets.
In light of the misinformation circulating the contested border region, it is crucial for parties to verify information before spreading it, as it may impact the industry, including finance and aerospace.
