CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — The Swedish government’s offset package has proved decisive in Thailand’s decision to purchase 12 Gripen E/F fighters in three phases.

The economic and technology garnishes helped Saab’s Gripen offer defeat its American F-16 Block 70/72 competitor.

On June 4, the Royal Thai Air Force – or RTAF – held a press conference to announce it was buying more Gripens, with the deal accompanied by a generous package of technical support and offsets.

When final offers were submitted last August, Saab had vowed, “The Swedish proposal will ensure the best return on investment for Thailand that will exceed the contract value through a well-structured, long-term plan that covers key areas of critical technologies and national capabilities for Thailand.”

Saab’s offset packag

See Full Page