Aircraft
Saab Eyes Southeast Asia for Gripen Multirole Fighter Sales
Saab has Thailand and the Philippines in its sights
Saab Grippen
The Saab Gripen C graces the static display in Singapore. The Swedish manufacturer hopes to generate further interest in the fighter among potential Asia-Pacific customers. © David McIntosh/AIN

Having already sold the Gripen multi-role fighter to Thailand, Sweden’s Saab hopes to secure further sales of the type in Southeast Asia. Two major opportunities exist in the region in the form of a follow-on order from Thailand and a fighter requirement in the Philippines. A Gripen C from the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) sits on display in the static park at the Singapore Airshow.

Thailand acquired its first batch of six Gripen C/Ds starting in February 2011, having ordered the type in 2008. Saab delivered a planned second batch in 2013 to complete the equipment of 701 Squadron at Surat Thani. The aircraft primarily serve defense roles and operate alongside a pair of Saab 340 airborne early warning aircraft supplied with the fighters as part of an overall air defense package.