Jas 39 Gripen: The Real Winner in the Thailand-Cambodia Conflict

U.S. Magazine: 'Gripen is the True Victor of the War'

Saab's fighter jet, the Jas 39 Gripen, was deployed in combat for the first time during the brief conflict between Cambodia and Thailand last month. The conflict arose from a border dispute that escalated into open warfare from July 24 to 27.

Thailand's air force includes eleven Gripen jets, and the American online magazine National Interest reports that these Swedish planes played a crucial role in turning the tide in Thailand's favor. This success is expected to lead to lucrative deals for Saab as buyers line up to purchase the aircraft.

'Excellent Performance in Combat'

In an article titled 'Saab's Jas 39 Gripen is the Real Winner in the Thailand-Cambodia War,' the magazine's defense editor, Brandon Weichert, states that Thailand outperformed Cambodia largely due to Gripen's 'excellent performance in combat.'

'This conflict was Gripen's first real combat mission, nearly three decades after the aircraft was introduced. It transformed its reputation from a peacetime asset used for reconnaissance to a proven asset in combat,' he writes.

National Interest was founded in 1985 as a platform for the neoconservative movement in the U.S., which once had significant influence on American foreign and security policy. Although its influence has waned, the magazine remains a significant voice on the right.

Increasing Demand

Weichert notes that Gripen has several technical advantages compared to, for example, the American F-16 fighter jet. Additionally, its operating costs are 'significantly lower than other planes manufactured in Western countries, making it a wise choice for nations with limited military budgets.'

Following the conflict, the Thai government approved the purchase of four more Gripen jets for approximately six billion kronor, as part of a plan to acquire twelve fighter jets, he writes.

'Gripen's successful performance has significantly increased interest among other potential buyers in the global market. One can expect a surge of interest from developing defense forces worldwide, particularly in Latin America, where many such planes already exist,' writes Brandon Weichert in National Interest.