BANGKOK — The Swedish Embassy in Thailand has officially refuted rumors that Stockholm is suspending sales of Gripen fighter jets to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) following Thailand’s deployment of the aircraft in recent border clashes with Cambodia. In a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Friday (August 1), the embassy clarified that “no decision has been made to halt further Gripen sales to Thailand,” dismissing claims circulated by Cambodian media earlier that day.

Thai air force favours Swedish Gripen fighter jets over F-16s

The speculation arose after Thailand’s Gripen jets were reportedly used in operations along the contested Thai-Cambodian border late last month—marking the first combat deployment of the Swedish-made fighters since their introduction in 1988. According to Thai military sources, the Gripens, alongside F-16s, conducted precision strikes on Cambodian military positions during five days of intense fighting before a temporary ceasefire took effect.

Thailand Proceeds with New Jet Purchases

Despite the controversy, the RTAF is moving forward with plans to expand its Gripen fleet. Air Chief Marshal Phanphakdee Phatthanakul, commander of the RTAF, is set to finalize a contract for four additional Gripen C/D jets between August 23 and 27. Thailand currently operates 11 Gripen fighters and has been in negotiations with Swedish aerospace company Saab for further acquisitions.

A Thai Air Force spokesperson confirmed that the jets performed effectively in their combat debut, executing “precise strikes on military targets deemed a threat to national security.” The spokesperson did not disclose specific details of the missions but emphasized that the operations complied with international laws of armed conflict.

Swedish embassy in 🇹🇭 having to respond to lies coming out of Cambodia.https://t.co/kIaNqCVFFw pic.twitter.com/rcHitRzwJY

— Gripen News (@GripenNews) August 1, 2025

Swedish Analysts Downplay Concerns

Stefan Wilson, a Swedish defense analyst and former fighter pilot who led Sweden’s NATO operations in Libya, commented that Thailand’s use of the Gripens against Cambodia—a country lacking its own fighter jets—was a “straightforward application” of the aircraft’s capabilities.

“If the missions employed precision-guided munitions, such as laser or GPS-guided bombs, in an uncontested airspace, this would represent a basic operational scenario for the Gripen,” Wilson said. He added that Sweden imposes no post-sale restrictions on how purchasers deploy the jets, stating, “Once you buy the system, you can use it as you see fit, provided you adhere to the laws of war.”

No Diplomatic Fallout Expected

The Swedish Embassy’s statement appears to quash concerns that Bangkok’s combat use of the jets could disrupt defense ties. Wilson noted that Sweden has no legal mechanism to reclaim sold military equipment based on its operational use, barring violations of international humanitarian law.

Thailand orders more Gripen fighters

As Thailand prepares to bolster its Gripen fleet, analysts suggest the recent border clashes may have inadvertently served as a real-world demonstration of the aircraft’s capabilities—potentially strengthening the case for further procurement. Meanwhile, Cambodia has yet to issue an official response to Sweden’s clarification.