Royal Thai Air Force and SAAB Advance Offset Cooperation to Strengthen Defense Industry Capabilities
The Royal Thai Air Force and Swedish defense firm SAAB held their first offset program review in Sweden on May 14, advancing cooperation on technology transfer and personnel development tied to Thailand's Gripen fighter jet procurement.
The Royal Thai Air Force and SAAB are advancing their offset cooperation and developing Thailand's defense industry capabilities to reinforce national security and strengthen the country's defense competence.
On May 14, 2025, the Royal Thai Air Force participated in the first Offset Program Management Review (Offset PMR#1) in Sweden with SAAB and relevant agencies to assess the progress of offset cooperation and establish joint guidelines for future operations. Air Vice Marshal Prapas Sonjaidee, Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, chaired the meeting alongside Ms. Lena-Marie Ilestrand, Head of Offset Contract for Gripen Thailand, and Mr. Robert Björklund, Campaign Director for Gripen Thailand, representing SAAB.
This meeting served as an important forum for monitoring ongoing offset activities and discussing avenues for expanding cooperation in personnel development, technology transfer, education, and collaboration with educational institutions. Under the cooperation framework agreed by both parties for the Gripen E/F Phase 1 procurement offset, the delegation visited SAAB's Aeronautics division and Linköping University in Linköping, as well as KTH Royal Institute of Technology and SAAB Headquarters in Stockholm.
The Royal Thai Air Force emphasizes the strong relationship between Thailand and SAAB, and is committed to promoting cooperation that yields mutual benefits in defense capability development, industrial growth, and knowledge advancement in modern technology. Both parties have established action items for future operations, focusing on continuous progress monitoring, information exchange, and close coordination to ensure the offset program delivers sustainable long-term results.
The meeting also demonstrated the solid cooperation between the Royal Thai Air Force and SAAB in developing technological capabilities and innovation, while preparing for future collaboration. Both parties plan to meet again in Thailand in September to continue discussions.
The Royal Thai Air Force is confident that offset cooperation will serve as a crucial mechanism for advancing knowledge, technology, and personnel development to sustainably strengthen national security and defense capabilities.
