The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is set to conduct a critical evaluation of the Saab Gripen fighter jet, focusing on its ability to operate from makeshift airstrips on public highways, the Nation reports. This test, scheduled for February, is a pivotal moment in the RTAF’s assessment of the Swedish-built Gripen E fighter as a potential replacement for its ageing fleet of F-16 aircraft.
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The Gripen, known for its short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities, was originally designed with dispersed operations in mind. This concept was born from the Swedish Air Force’s (SwAF) Cold War-era need to operate from multiple locations, a strategy that culminated in the “Bas 90” system, which involved scattering fighters across the country to make surprise attacks difficult. Consequently, the Gripen was engineered to operate from dispersed airbases and even regular roads.
Saab claims the Gripen can take off from a 500m stretch of road and land on 600m of road, with a road width of only 16m. The fighter’s canards are key to this capability, increasing the angle of attack and providing more lift at slower speeds during landing, and along with the wing rudders, creating an aerodynamic downforce that enhances braking. Beyond its impressive STOL characteristics, the Gripen is also designed for rapid turnaround times, allowing a small team of conscripts to quickly refuel, re-arm, and prepare it for the next mission. Moreover, it can use its own power to move to maintenance locations and even make a U-turn on the road. Other features that facilitate easy maintenance include hot refuelling, quick replacement of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), and internal sensors that alert the pilot to parts needing replacement.
This upcoming RTAF test will be the first time they will attempt to take off and land a Gripen on a highway. The test seeks to validate Saab’s assertion that the jet can operate from a highway using no more than 800 meters of road in the event of a military airport being destroyed. The Swedish Air Force has already demonstrated similar capabilities, with a landing using 500 meters of road and a take-off from just 400 meters. The RTAF views the confirmation of this capability as critical to its decision to potentially replace its F-16s with Gripen E fighter jets.
The potential acquisition of the Gripen has gained tacit approval from Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The RTAF is currently engaged in discussions with Saab regarding potential benefits such as technology transfer. The decision-making process is expected to be finalised in 2025, with the possibility of adding a Gripen squadron to enhance the RTAF’s operational strength.
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