Swedish Expert: The Gripen Fighter Jet Deal With Thailand Is Fragile and Could Be Halted or Cancelled

The advanced fighter jet agreement between Thailand and Sweden has emerged as a contentious issue, not only against the backdrop of the tense Cambodia–Thailand border dispute, but also as a matter of growing debate within Sweden itself.

Many political experts have warned the Stockholm government over its decision to sign a deal to sell four Saab JAS-39 Gripen E and F models to Thailand, describing the agreement, signed on August 25, as a deal at the wrong time.

Swedish expert Martin Lundmark, a lecturer in defense systems at the Swedish Defence University, cautioned that the ongoing Gripen fighter jet deal between the two nations faces real jeopardy.

“If it becomes a full-scale or larger war – or if Thailand invades Cambodia and takes over areas – then I am convinced that this deal would be paused, and possibly also cancelled.” He stated.

In his statement delivered on the morning of August 26, he underscored a key point related to Sweden’s arms export laws, which strictly require adherence to democratic principles and the highest respect for human rights. This means that the Inspectorate of Strategic Products (ISP), the authority overseeing defense exports, must thoroughly assess whether the purchasing country complies with Sweden’s human rights and democratic standards before approving the deal.

Martin Lundmark emphasized that the level of democracy in Thailand today is significantly lower compared to the situation in the past, particularly when measured against the context of the 2011 agreement.

“In 2011, when the last deal was made, Thailand was considered a country that met the then prevailing requirements. That Thailand now meets the requirements for democracy can be questioned.” He added.