Thailand approves a $19.5B purchase of four Saab Gripen jets to upgrade its air force and boost national defense capabilities.

Thailand’s cabinet approved the purchase of four Gripen fighter jets as part of a broader plan to modernize its military, days after its air force used the Swedish-made jets in a deadly border clash with neighboring Cambodia.

Thailand's cabinet has approved the acquisition of four Saab Gripen E/F fighters worth Bt19 billion ($587 million), marking the first phase of a planned 12-aircraft procurement.