On July 26, 2025, the Royal Thai Air Force deployed its SAAB JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets in a live combat mission for the first time, executing precision airstrikes against Cambodian artillery positions near the Phu Ma Kua ridge and Ta Muen Thom temple. The strikes marked a historic milestone for the Gripen platform, which had never previously been used in active combat since its maiden flight in 1988. The operation came amid a sharp escalation of armed clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border that began on July 24, 2025, following weeks of growing tensions.
The border conflict was triggered by an incident on May 28, 2025, involving the fatal shooting of a Cambodian soldier in a disputed patrol zone. Skirmishes intensified through June, culminating in sustained Cambodian rocket and mortar attacks targeting Thai territory in Surin Province. In response, Thailand mobilized air and ground forces, with the Royal Thai Air Force launching retaliatory air operations involving both F-16s and Gripens by late July. The Gripen airstrikes on July 26 targeted enemy artillery and mobile rocket systems used against Thai military installations and civilian settlements.
Thailand’s acquisition of the Swedish SAAB JAS 39 Gripen began with a 2007 contract for six C/D variants, followed by a second batch of six in 2008. The first aircraft were delivered in February 2011 and assigned to Wing 7 at Surat Thani Air Base. As of 2025, the Royal Thai Air Force operates seven Gripen C single-seat and four Gripen D two-seat variants. The Gripen fleet is integrated into a larger force that includes a total of 112 combat-capable aircraft, comprising 28 F-16 Fighting Falcons in multiple variants (F-16A, ADF, B, and MLU), 13 F-5TH Tiger IIs, and 12 AU-23A Peacemaker ground attack aircraft.
The JAS 39 Gripen’s combat configuration includes the PS-05/A pulse-doppler radar, digital fly-by-wire controls, and a wide array of weapons from the AIM-120 AMRAAM and IRIS-T missiles to precision-guided bombs and standoff munitions. Gripens operate alongside Saab 340 AEW&C airborne surveillance aircraft, giving the Royal Thai Air Force a robust network-centric warfare capability. In the July 26 strike, Gripens flew coordinated attack profiles using real-time data feeds and targeting support, ensuring surgical strikes with minimal collateral damage.
In contrast, the Royal Cambodian Air Force lacks dedicated combat aircraft and remains focused on transport, training, and liaison roles. The fleet includes two Xian MA60 transport aircraft, five Tecnam P-92 Echo aircraft used for pilot training and reconnaissance, two Harbin Y-12 (II) utility aircraft, and a single Airbus A320 configured for VIP transport. Additional legacy aircraft such as two Antonov An-24RV (Coke) and one BN-2 Islander remain in storage. The training fleet is anchored by five L-39C Albatros jet trainers, though Cambodia possesses no operational fighters or air-to-air capable platforms.
The overwhelming disparity in aerial capabilities between Thailand and Cambodia has given the Royal Thai Air Force significant strategic leverage in the conflict. The operational debut of the Gripen underscores Thailand’s shift toward modern, high-precision air combat, with potential implications for regional defense postures. The successful deployment of the JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet is expected to bolster its export appeal while reinforcing Thailand’s position as a leading air power in Southeast Asia. As fighting continues along the border, the Royal Thai Air Force’s ability to deliver rapid and precise airstrikes will remain a critical factor in shaping the military balance.
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