Bangkok, Aug. 7 -- The Thai government has approved a multi-billion-dollar defense procurement plan that includes the purchase of Swedish Gripen fighter jets, two foreign-made frigates, and the finalization of a submarine deal with China, The Nation newspaper reported. The Swedish fighter jets are intended to replace the American F-16s that have been in service with the Thai air force for 37 years, the report said on Wednesday. The purchase includes three single-seat SAAB JAS-39 Gripen E aircraft and one two-seat Gripen F, as well as auxiliary systems and electronic warfare equipment, the report read, adding that aircraft will be equipped with modern Meteor air-to-air missiles and other weapons. The total cost of the 12 aircraft is estimate...