The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is unique amongst air forces in the region to have fully operationalized a complete integrated air defence system featuring Saab Gripen fighters, Saab 340 Erieye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft and other sensors and surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, which are all integrated with a secure national datalink system that connects assets in the air, on land and at sea. This makes the RTAF more than just a customer operating an advanced fighter type but the owner of an advanced air defence network that is unique not only in the region but also beyond. The RTAF’s Gripens are operated by 701 Sqn, part of Wing 7 at Surat Thani, a strategic base in Thailand’s south.
Thailand is one of Saab’s most significant global customers and company officials are confident of future market prospects. “Saab is able to offer high-end military equipment and technologies at a competitive price with a long-term commitment for maintenance and support,” said a company official, who added that there will be a greater requirement for Thailand for Transfer of Technology (ToT) in the future, whenever military equipment is procured with increase in the level of local sourcing. “We are able to meet the requirements from nations that desire a greater sovereign capability due to Sweden’s non-aligned status,” the official emphasized. Saab’s presence in Thailand started in the mid-eighties, with the supply of key equipment such as Carl-Gustaf infantry weapons, Giraffe radars and RBS70 missile systems to the Thai military.
The RTAF’s Gripen, Erieye AEW system and tactical data links afford it with a network centric air defence capability. The Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN) Frigate HTMS Naresuan was the first to be linked to the Gripen fighters, and this capability now extends to the RTN’s other warships and aircraft carriers. Strategic locations like Don Muang air base are also connected with radar stations across the nation. Saab has played a key role in assisting the RTAF in developing this sovereign national defence capability, which it developed, supplied and continues to support. A key aspect of this air defence network is the RTAF’s Gripen fleet, which is now entering its 11th year of operations.
An important upgrade to RTAF Gripens is the implementation of the latest MS20 capability upgrade, which was delivered in The MS20 upgrade further enhances Gripen’s operational capabilities by adding new radar and EW modes, enhanced navigation and safety features, several hardware and software changes to improve performance and avoid obsolescence and the ability to integrate new weapons options for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
The RTAF acquired its Gripen fleet under the ‘Peace Suvarnabhumi’ contract which came into effect in 2008 and was split into two parts; six Gripens were delivered in 2011 followed by a further six in 2013. The RTAF’s first Erieye AEW&C arrived in December 2010. The RTAF’s Gripen fleet has demonstrated high availability rates since induction and the squadron is renowned for delivering 100 per cent operational availability whenever required. 701 Sqn celebrated the milestone of 10,000 Gripen flight hours in 2018.
Malaysian defense company, Deftech, displayed a range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) intheir booth during the DSA 2022 expo. The…
Airbus has performed a first A380 flight powered by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus’ A380 test aircraft MSN 1…
Cargojet has entered into a five-year strategic agreement with DHL, with a renewal option for an additional two years, to…
The Icelandic airline Eagle Air and the German aircraft manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft have announced a renewal of their support contract…
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UPNM Malaysia for collaboration and training of faculty…
Meopta is displaying a wide range of military-grade optical gun sights, scopes, and night vision equipment at the Defense Services…
After signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysia’s G7 Aerospace at DSA 2022 event on Monday (Mar. 28), Infoglobal…
Insight Atlantic, a Malaysian defense equipment supplier, is displaying a range of made-in Germany, Lowa tactical footwear in its booth…
PAL Aerospace and Thales have signed an agreement to jointly develop the next generation of mission system during the DSA…
Airod Techno Power (ATP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Honeywell International to provide Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)…
Advanced Defence Systems (ADS) has signed an MoU with Nexter on the third day of the DSA 2022 event, Wednesday…
In a public announcement released by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on Wednesday (Mar. 30), there have been 54…
Sikorsky and Boeing on Thursday announced six new members, including Magnaghi Aeronautica and Collins Aerospace, of Team DEFIANT. The suppliers…
MA Group will provide the fully integrated landing gear system for the DEFIANT X helicopter, consisting of the nose and…
After spending about US$7.4 million on the project, the Australian government has cancelled its Project Air 7003, a program that…
AerCap has signed lease agreements for ten new Airbus A320neo aircraft and two new Airbus A330neo aircraft with ITA Airways.…
A routine service test for an Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft on April 1 has ended with a surprising result. …
Malaysia-based DefTech and Iveco Defence Vehicles are joining hands to establish an authorised MRO centre for Iveco Defence Vehicles trucks…
General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has begun the first installation of factory upgrades to a Gray Eagle-Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned…
FL Technics has launched a dedicated business line for wheels and brakes maintenance and opened a specialized shop at the…
ScioTeq has launched RDU-4208 LAD, its new full redundant Large Area Display (LAD) that can be deployed in new cockpits…
Etihad Airways, on March 31st., 2022, unveiled its new Airbus A350-1000, registration A6-XWB, on a special inaugural commercial flight from…
RGA-Black Stone Airlines, a newcomer in the Indonesian aviation business, officially started its business in the country after having its…
SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) announced that it has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Impeccable Vintage Properties…
Honeywell has signed separate MOUs with Malaysian firms Airod Techno Power (ATP) and Galaxy Aerospace that will further strengthen the…
AirAsia has announced that it will resume international flights from India to Malaysia and Thailand. Flights are now available from…
Embraer and the Brazilian Army have inked a contract to develop and implement Phase Two of the Army's Strategic Program…
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) officially inducted two Turkish-made T129B ATAK attack helicopters and an Airbus Defense and Space C-295…
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has been selected to support the Japan Coast Guard's (JCG) RPAS Project. Operations will…
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) S26T submarine acquisition project from China is at risk of cancellation due to Germany’s refusal…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2023. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2024 GBP all rights reserved.