Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighter jet sees first combat in Thai-Cambodian conflict
July 28, 2025
The July 2025 Thai-Cambodian border conflict has seen Thailand launch limited airstrikes on targets in Cambodia. Thailand was seen using both its F-16 Fighting Falcons and Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets. This appears to be the first confirmed combat use of the Gripen since its introduction.
First combat use of the Saab Gripen
According to Defense Security Asia, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) publicly confirmed deploying JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets with its F-16s in airstrikes against Cambodian military positions.
These airstrikes targeted Cambodian forces near Phu Ma Kua and the Ta Muen Thom temple, sites which had been the focus of cross-border artillery and rocket attacks between the two countries.
Sweden optimised the Gripen for conflict with Russia and focused on reducing maintenance and increasing its ability to operate from dispersed airfields, including highways. As fate would have it, the first combat use turned out to be in Southeast Asia between Thailand and Cambodia.
🚨BREAKING:
— Defence Index (@Defence_Index) July 26, 2025
Thailand has sent Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets to bomb Cambodian targets, according to Cambodian military sources. pic.twitter.com/ZmzbFjnTLg
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a light single-engine multirole fighter jet built by Sweden’s defence contractor, Saab. It is one of three multirole European fighters currently in production, with the other two being the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Dassault Rafale.
The Gripen’s delta wing and canard configuration allow it to be easily distinguished from Thailand’s F-16s.
Saab Gripen fighter jets in the Thai Air Force
Thailand ordered its first batch of six Gripens in 2008 to partially replace its ageing Northrop F-5 light fighters. The first units were delivered in 2011 as the Gripen won out over Lockheed Martin’s latest F-16 Block 70/72.
Reporting at the time, The War Zone stated it was unclear how many Gripens Thailand intends to acquire, although it cited previous reports for an immediate requirement for 12 to 14 new fighters. The first of these new Gripen Es is expected to be delivered in 2028.
In its 2025 report on world air forces, FlightGlobal listed Thailand as having seven Gripen C/Es in service with another 10 on order. Thailand is the second export nation after Brazil to purchase the updated Gripen E fighter jet.
BREAKING:
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) July 26, 2025
The Swedish fighter jet JAS 39 Gripen has been used in active battle for the first time ever.
The Royal Thai Air Force used the planes today to strike Cambodian artillery and MLRS systems that were preparing to strike Thailand 🇸🇪🇹🇭 pic.twitter.com/DasayWVql1
Thailand previously requested to purchase the US F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter. This request was rebuffed by the United States out of security concerns with the Thai military’s warm relations with China.
Sweden’s Saab Gripen fighter exports
Sweden has long struggled to export the Saab Gripen, with other 4th-gen fighters like the F-16 and Rafale proving much more popular. The bulk of the Gripen’s orders have come from the Swedish Air Force.
The Czech Air Force currently has a fleet of 12 Gripens leased from the Swedish Air Force. Hungary is the only other European export operator, with a fleet of 12 leased Gripens, along with another four on order.
South Africa is an international export customer of the Gripen, having purchased 26 examples. These have been poorly maintained, with FlightGlobal listing just two Gripen Cs active.
Recently, the Gripen has seen increased export success with Colombia announcing in April 2025 it will purchase the jet (likely 16-24 examples), while fellow South American country, Peru, announced in July 2025 it will purchase 24 Gripens.
The biggest export order has been to Brazil, which signed a contract for 36 Gripen E/Fs in 2014 with a longer-term requirement for an additional 72 aircraft. FlightGlobal’s 2025 report lists eight now in Brazilian service.
