General
Thai Defense Permanent Secretary Visits Sweden to Discuss Gripen Progress
Thailand’s Permanent Secretary of Defense has traveled to Sweden to strengthen bilateral ties and inspect the status of the Gripen fighter jet program.
According to a report by Matichon Online on August 27, 2026, the Permanent Secretary of the Thai Ministry of Defense is currently on an official visit to Sweden. The primary objective of this diplomatic mission is to reinforce bilateral relations between the two nations.
During the visit, the Permanent Secretary toured the facilities of SAAB, the Swedish aerospace and defense company. The visit included a formal inspection to monitor the progress of the Gripen fighter jet program, which is a significant component of Thailand's defense procurement strategy.
For residents and travelers in Thailand, this visit highlights ongoing international cooperation in defense technology. While the visit underscores the importance of the Thai-Swedish military partnership, it remains to be confirmed what specific technical milestones were discussed or if any new agreements regarding the delivery or maintenance of the aircraft were finalized during these meetings. As this is a high-level diplomatic and military engagement, further details regarding the long-term implications for the Thai Air Force’s fleet modernization are expected to be released through official government channels in due course.