Off the wire
• Spotlight: China-Arab leaders expecting more achievements from strategic cooperation  • China, U.S. hold first dialogue on outer space safety  • News Analysis: Philippine presumptive president will bring change, but it's too early to say how big  • Criminal act blamed for deadly Texas fertilizer explosion in 2013  • DeRozan, Lowry bounce back to give Raptors 3-2 series lead  • Bastos gives Sao Paulo edge in Copa Libertadores quarters  • Fans injured after stadium railing collapse  • Tax cuts pushed back as New Zealand gov't pays off debt  • Aust'n parents of 3 children lost aboard MH17 welcome new baby  • Chinese, Yemeni FMs discuss Yemen peace talks, bilateral ties  
You are here: 　 Home

Thailand mulls buying four more Swedish jet fighters

Xinhua, May 12, 2016 Adjust font size:

Thailand might probably buy four more Swedish jet fighters to add to a current squadron of 12 fighters of the same type, said Deputy Prime Minister Prajin Juntong on Thursday.

Prajin, a former Thai air force chief, said that he viewed Saab JAS 39 Gripen multirole combat aircraft as "technologically advanced" and suggested that his successor buy an additional four Swedish jet fighters.

The Thai air force currently deploys the 12 Swedish fighters at Air Wing 7 in the southern province of Surat Thani. The Gripen fighter squadron was procured in 2008 to replace the United States' ageing F-5 Tiger fighters.

"One fighter squadron should not just consist of a dozen aircraft and four more should be added to it," said the deputy prime minister.

One JAS 39 Gripen fighter is currently estimated to cost 69 million U.S. dollars.

Prajin made his comments following a visit of Swedish ambassador Staffan Herrstrom to Government House during which they held talks about the Gripen fighters, Swedish digital technology and bilateral trade, among other topics. Endit