AWNG-2627

An ongoing software problem haunts Lockheed Martin’s production and modernization agenda for the F-35 as a raft of new competitors hit key milestones in 2024.

Thailand’s 2023 Defense & Security exhibition here featured an entirely new security and geopolitical landscape since it was last held a year ago.

New-build deliveries of fighter aircraft are expected to eclipse 5,000 airframes globally, for a total value of nearly $460 billion USD. Lockheed Martin’s F-35 is expected to capture 34% of that total.

The proposals to develop further missions for the Gripen are part of updated military advice provided to Stockholm by commander-in-chief General Micael Bydén.

A Saab official tells Aerospace DAILY that Bangkok says procurement of an F-16 replacement is "going to be a competition."

The British and Swedish governments are to cooperate on promoting international sales of Saab’s JAS 39 Gripen E combat aircraft.

Sweden’s government appears to be softening its stance toward a potential transfer of Saab Gripen combat aircraft to Ukraine.

The Royal Thai Air Force had previously announced that a squadron of Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs based in Korat would be decommissioned between 2028 and 2031.

The contract is part of a multi-phase project on which GKN has been working since 2019 with Sweden’s Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) and Saab.

Prague countered critics of its F-35 decision, who claim the aircraft is too expensive for the Eastern European country to operate.

The Czech government has approved the acquisition of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

British Eurofighter Typhoons and Norwegian Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters have performed their first landings and takeoffs from road runways.

The Czech Republic has claimed that acquiring and operating Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter will be cheaper than operating Saab’s Gripen E.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has dampened expectations over a potential transfer of Gripen fighters to Ukraine.

The two countries declare such a transfer only would take place once the infrastructure at Ukrainian airfields is made suitable for the aircraft’s operation.

The ROCAF wants to extend the service lives of nine Mirage 2000-5DI by another 20 years for “strategic and risk-hedging reasons.”

In June 2022, Sweden’s defense materiel agency FMV awarded a contract to Saab to begin studies on the next generation of combat aircraft.

When Saab test pilot Andre Brannstrom launches the Gripen E into the skies above the RIAT, it will be the type’s debut display outside Scandinavia.

Embraer is looking to grab a slice of Europe’s defense modernization pie with sales of the C-390 airlifter and A-29 Super Tucano.

Sweden’s defense materiel agency FMV is awaiting political approval to begin studies into a new-generation combat aircraft beyond the new Saab Gripen E.

Hungary has joined the Czech Republic and Poland in the protection of Slovakia’s airspace.

Five European countries are proposing the development of a new short-range air-to-air missile capable of countering future combat aircraft.

The opening of the new line establishes Gripen production in South America as Brazil's neighbors shop for new fighters.

Brazil’s largest defense company studies options for partnering on next-generation fighters and developing light utility transports.

Brazil's Jaguar Squadron has been focused on becoming acquainted with the new capabilities of the Swedish-built jets, including new sensors and weapons.