AdvertisementThe US$600 million agreement for the Saab JAS 39 Gripens was first announced in June as part of a long-term plan to modernise the air force’s combat capabilities. During five days of clashes with Cambodia that left more than 40 people dead, Thailand used its fleet of F-16s to strike military targets across the border. It was the deadliest border fighting between the two countries in decades. The purchase of four Swedish-built Gripen jets is part of a long-term plan to modernise Thailand’s air force. Photo: Reuters“The cabinet has approved the purchase of JAS 39 Saab Gripen to strengthen the Royal Thai Air Force and protect Thailand’s sovereignty,” the air force said in a social media post.