Thai Military Upgrades Combat Systems With New Frigates and Gripen Jets
Thailand's military is upgrading combat systems with new frigates and Gripen jets, developing a Tactical Data Link to enable real-time coordination across naval, air, and ground forces starting from 2029.
On September 17, 2026, at Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, Royal Thai Navy Assistant Spokesperson Nara Khunthot announced that the navy has developed a Tactical Data Link system to enable commanders to assess situations rapidly and efficiently for strategic and tactical decision-making. Both naval and ground forces will have immediate situational awareness.
The Royal Thai Navy will further develop its C4I-SR command and control system to counter cyber threats, handle large data volumes, and support maritime situation information from inside and outside Thai waters as well as international developments. The navy will enhance the TDL system to connect with new frigates under procurement and improve ship-to-ship and ship-to-aircraft operational capabilities.
Royal Thai Air Force Spokesperson Chakrkrit Thamvichai stated that network-centric operations are crucial to mission success. Since the air force acquired Gripen C/D aircraft roughly a decade ago, it has continuously developed command and control systems that proved essential during past Thailand-Cambodia operations. The air force has upgraded to a joint capability command headquarters to enable commanders at all levels to share a common operational picture across land, sea, and air domains.
Tactical Data Link is vital for integrating all resources and achieving effective, coordinated operations that multiply combat power. Thailand will receive intellectual property rights to the Link-T system with the Gripen E/F Phase 1 aircraft, which will be delivered gradually from 2029 onwards. This represents a major leap forward and benefits overall security agencies, requiring coordination on requirements and concept design. Personnel training is underway to transition toward self-sufficiency within approximately two years.
However, combat data systems cannot bridge the gap between Eastern and Western bloc technologies due to Western concerns about data leakage given larger geopolitical tensions. Thailand must develop and create independent systems to address this.
Air Force spokesperson confirmed that weapons procurement and delivery schedules remain on track, including the BARAK MX air defence system. Despite Israel's ongoing conflict, deliveries will proceed as planned, with air force teams monitoring progress. Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes Phase 2 procurement due to substantial threats from drones and PHL 03 missiles. Additionally, the SAAB 340 AEW early warning aircraft's capabilities will be upgraded to provide alerts and coordinate with operational aircraft.
