Military of China, force comment.
Military of China, force comment.

Thailand Air Force the first six JAS-39C/D fighters the ceremony

According to the British, “Flight International” website February 23, 2011 reported that fighter jets flew with the southern province of Surat Thani Air Force Base, Thailand received its first batch of six procurement Saab “Gripen” C/D fighter aircraft, thus becoming the first Asian fighter of the user.

Royal Thai Air Force Web site revealed that the aircraft arrived on 22 February the 7th Air Wing, which includes two single-seat “Gripen” C, and four two-seater “Gripen” D. According to Thai media, these fighters will be fully tested after the next month, officially handed over to the Royal Thai Air Force. Although Thailand has been in Sweden conducted a pilot training flight, but the formal transfer of the aircraft in front of the property still belongs to Saab, the Swedish pilots of these aircraft by driving by stopped Hungary, Greece, Egypt and India, arrived in Thailand.

Thailand a total of two batches purchased 12 “Gripen” fighter. The first purchase contract signed in early 2008, which also includes one equipped with a “Erieye” (Erieye) airborne early warning and control radar unit Saab 340,1 training and transport aircraft for the task Sa Bo 340. The second batch of procurement contracts signed in late 2010, including six “Gripen” single-seat fighter, an equipment “Erieye” (Erieye) airborne early warning and control radar of the Saab 340 and Saab RB15F group anti-ship missiles. RB15F subsonic sea-skimming missile can fly a maximum range of more than 200 km. The second installment of “Gripen” program delivery in 2013, will replace a number of Thai Air Force F-5 fighters.

exception of Thailand, “Gripen” fighter is also the Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa and Sweden in service. British Empire Test Pilot School also used the fighter jets. Generation of variants – “Gripen” NG participation in Brazil, India and Switzerland fighter procurement project competition. (China Aviation Industry Development Research Center Chu Shiyong)