Another of the Thai Grippens 70112 a single seat C model returns from a mission.

70103 returns after a mission during Pitch Black 2024.

In February of 2008, the RTAF ordered a 1st batch of six Gripens, among them four dual seaters. The airframe pictured here was delivered in February 2011 and assigned - like all others - to 701 Squadron based in Surat Thani. A 2nd batch of six Gripens (all JAS-39C) was ordered in February 2009, but the order was only confirmed by the Thai Government in November of 2010. Finally, a 3rd batch of four to six airframes was planned but never exercised. Of the 12 delivered, 11 remain in service, with JAS-39C serialled "Kh.20-8/56" (Military code 70108) being written off on January 14, 2017.

The Thai's have brought their Grippens to PB24.

"Sharks" of 701 Sqn. in grey weather over the Gulf of Thailand.

ex USAF FY # 76-1669, delivered to the RTAF in 1978, starting service with SQN 102 (coded 10221) and then with SQN 711 (coded 71121). Between January 2000 and January 2009, it flew with SQN 701 out of Surat Thani in Southern Thailand, as code 70121/SRT pictured here reveals. The last code it wore was "70141", still with 701 SQN, before being retired in June 2012.

This Freedom Fighters sits abandoned in one of the typical Vietnam war style shelters at Korat Air Base during exercise "Cope Tiger 2004". Korat RTAB was built and extensively used by the USAF during the Vietnam war. This particular airframe was delivered to Thailand under the Military Assistance Program (MAP) in April of 1967 and has had the following codes applied: "1312", "10312", "23121", "71141" and finally "70141". It was last based in Surat Thani in southern Thailand, hence the additional SRT code. Apparently, it went to Nakhon Nayok in 2006 with its original code "1312" re-applied.

This airframe carried US FY 78-0772 and over it's lifespan has been assigned to various Royal Thai AF squadrons. The c/n is clear, but there are conflicting reports about the military codes applied. The following have been reported: 102XX (102 SQN), then 71142 (711 SQN), then 70123/SRT or 70124/SRT (701 SQN) and finally 21116 (211 SQN). Military code 70146 as pictured here has so far not been reported.

USAF FY number 74-0778, orginally delivered to Malaysia as FM2201, sold to the Royal Thai AF in 1982, obtained Thai military serial Kh18k-4/25. It served with several different RTAF squadrons and over the years carried the codes 10302, 23102, 71102 and finally 70102 as pictured. It was last based in Surat Thani (SRT) and operated by 701 Squadron (Wing 7), before being lost in a fatal accident on April 21, 2005, unfortunately killing both crews.

701sq 'Sharks' aircraft

JAS39A Gripen of the Royal Thai Air Force, such an exotic aircraft must be pictured with a palm tree! Two aircraft were present at the Langkawi show in 2017.