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.