The Philippines is close to buying fighter jets from Sweden after negotiating for two decades. An understanding was signed in June and ratified in September, ironing out defense cooperation between the two governments. The Swedish firm Saab’s JAS 39 Gripen is a top choice for new fighter aircraft.
In January, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved a substantial budget for the decade-long defense acquisition program dubbed Horizon 3. Specific assets and platforms have not been disclosed.
The Philippine military is refocusing its assets and capabilities to defend against threats to Philippine resources and vessels. The previous F-5 fighter fleet was retired in 2005, and in 2013, the government acquired 12 FA-50 light attack aircraft. Although the government has not revealed a final choice for the fighter jet, the Saab-made JAS 39 Gripen is reportedly among the top contenders.
Sweden’s proposed fighter jet is competing with the U.S.-approved 10 F-16C Block 70/72 aircraft. The Philippines has only earmarked $1.1 billion for the acquisition, despite a $2.43 billion package for the F-16s.
Saab officials believe that providing a “holistic defense solution” is just as important as the aircraft itself, and emphasize that the company has a history in the region with a previous deal to supply aircraft and surveillance systems to the Royal Thai Armed Forces in 2008.
