Gripen Jet Exports to Thailand Face Potential Delays Amid Rising Tensions
Concerns grow over Gripen jet exports to Thailand due to military tensions with Cambodia.
Key Points
- • Military tensions at the Cambodia-Thailand border may delay Gripen exports.
- • Two Gripen jets have been involved in recent military actions.
- • Thailand is negotiating to purchase additional Gripen jets.
- • Conflicting reports exist regarding who initiated military actions.
Recent military tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border have raised concerns regarding Sweden's export of Gripen fighter jets to Thailand. According to Ekot, two Jas Gripen jets have reportedly been involved in military actions near the border, prompting defense experts to caution that ongoing disputes could impede Thailand's negotiations for additional aircraft from Sweden.
Martin Lundmark, a lecturer at the Swedish Defence University, expressed that the current situation might lead to delays in the Gripen deal, which includes a potential purchase beyond the twelve jets Thailand has already acquired. He highlighted that reports surrounding the initiation of the military actions are conflicting, with both Thailand and Cambodia blaming each other for escalating tensions.
This geopolitical uncertainty casts a shadow over the future of Sweden's defense exports, specifically the Gripen jets, as the situation in the region remains volatile. Any further complications may not only affect military relations but also the strategic partnerships between Sweden and Thailand.