Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration said it has signed an agreement to sell four Saab Gripen fighter jets to Thailand, marking the Southeast Asian nation’s first order for the latest E/F variant of the aircraft. The package covers three single-seat Gripen E jets and one two-seat Gripen F, along with associated equipment, training and support services. Saab valued the contract at about 5.3 billion Swedish crowns (€480 million), with deliveries scheduled between 2025 and 2030. Thailand, which already operates an earlier C/D version of the Gripen, is looking to update its fleet as it retires ageing F-16s and has signalled interest in eventually acquiring up to 12 new fighters. The deal broadens the Gripen’s export footprint and was welcomed by Swedish officials as bolstering the long-term prospects of the domestic combat-aircraft sector. Saab shares rose roughly 3 percent in Stockholm trading following the announcement.