Royal Thai Air Force's Request to Purchase Six JAS-39 Gripen Fighter Approved

Thailand's Cabinet yesterday approved in principal the Royal Thai Air Force's request to purchase six Sweden-made JAS 39 Gripen jet fighters.A Bt16.2-billion budget, which include maintenance, logistical support and pilot training, will be approved through a tie-over allocation over a four-year period beginning in 2012.The Cabinet also approved Bt6.9 billion for the advanced modification of six US-made F-16B two-seaters as part of a three-year tie-over allocation, also starting in 2012.