Residents of Songkhla gathered on Wednesday morning to witness a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Gripen fighter jet perform a road landing and take-off as part of a trial ahead of an official demonstration.

The test is a key step in the RTAF’s evaluation process before finalizing its decision on purchasing a new fleet of Gripen jets from Sweden.

The event took place between 10 am and 11 am on Highway No. 4287 in Tambon Chalung, Hat Yai district.

Authorities closed the section of the road from Kuan Lung Intersection to Chamuang Intersection for the exercise, with police and provincial officials stationed along the route to manage security and crowd control.

An official demonstration is scheduled for Thursday, during which the same section of the highway will be closed for another Gripen landing and take-off trial.

Spectators have been directed to designated viewing areas, including a football field and an open plot near Thung Sao police station.

The RTAF had previously announced a preference for Gripen jets over the F-16, but before making a final procurement decision by mid-year, it aims to verify the manufacturer Saab AB’s claim that the aircraft can operate from a road with a minimum requirement of 800 meters for take-off and landing in case of an airport attack.

The RTAF continues to assess the capabilities of the Gripen before proceeding with the purchase of additional fighter jets to enhance its fleet.