The deadly confrontation with Cambodia, which displaced hundreds of thousands along the border, intensified Bangkok’s push for upgraded air power. The U.S., which had rejected Thailand’s earlier request for F-35A stealth fighters, cited infrastructure gaps and long delivery timelines. With the Gripen deal, Thailand signals a pivot to alternative suppliers and asserts military readiness amid ongoing regional tensions.

Thailand had previously outlined plans to purchase 12 fighter jets over ten years. The Gripen E/F models will replace decades-old F-16s and are expected to bolster Thailand’s air defense capabilities, particularly along contested borders. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire has since paused the violence, and security talks between Thailand and Cambodia are underway.

Submarine Deal With China Also Adjusted

In a related move, Thailand’s cabinet approved revisions to a 2017 agreement with China for a Yuan-class S26T submarine. The changes allow for the installation of a Chinese CHD620 diesel engine after Germany blocked the sale of the original MTU396 engine due to the EU arms embargo on China. The submarine’s delivery timeline was extended by 1,217 days.

Thailand initially agreed to purchase three submarines for 36 billion baht. However, the second and third vessels were put on hold in 2020 due to public backlash over defense spending during the pandemic and questions about the feasibility of operating submarines in Thailand’s shallow coastal waters.