Thailand is one step closer to selecting the Gripen for its next-generation fighter. (Saab)

WASHINGTON — Thailand’s military today publicly endorsed the Saab Gripen E/F as its choice for its next fighter jet, a move the Swedish firm called “very positive” but preliminary.

According to a statement posted to the Thai Air Force’s Facebook page, the Gripen has been identified as the “most suitable” option for mordernizing its fleet. While that is not the final word — the government will make a final decision and can override the military’s recommendation  — it does represent a major, and public, vote of support towards the Swedish company over its competitor Lockheed Martin and its F-16 Block 70/72.

“Saab confirms that the Royal Thai Air Force has announced their wish to purchase Saab´s Gripen fighter,” a spokesperson for Saab told Breaking Defense. “This is clearly very positive for Saab and for Sweden but as this point there is no contract or any order in place. Saab is looking forward to continuing our discussions with the Royal Thai Air Force and the authorities regarding future fighter capabilities for Thailand.”

Previous reporting had indicated the Air Force was leaning towards the Gripen, but nothing had been made official until today. According to a report in the Bangkok Post, a major factor in the decision was what industrial offsets — side benefits the contractor provides to the buying nation that often work as sweeteners to the deal — the two teams were offering, although details of those packages are not currently public.

Per Reuters, the Thai government has budgeted roughly $560 million to buy four new jets between 2025 and 2029, with the goal of buying another eight before 2034.

Thailand operates older versions of both the Gripen and F-16, meaning the country’s pilots should have less of a learning curve as they transition into the next-generation fighters, regardless of what the final choice is.