PH, Sweden Sign Pact on Fighter Purchases

28 Mei 2024

SAAB JAS-39 Gripen fighter (photo: SAAB)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Sweden have signed a key agreement to support Manila’s planned acquisition of multi-role fighter (MRF) aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Titled “Implementing Arrangement Concerning the Procurement of Defense Materiel and Equipment,” the deal provides the government framework for the Philippines to purchase Swedish-made defense equipment.

The two countries signed the accord on May 17, the Embassy of Sweden in Manila said on its official Facebook page. An accompanying photo showed Joakim Wallin, Swedish defense materiel head of exports and Joselito Ramos, Philippines’ assistant secretary for logistics, acquisitions and self-reliant defense posture of the Department of National Defense, leading the signing.

Currently Sweden's Saab produces only the new GlobalEye as the AEW&C aircraft (photo: Saab)

According to a separate statement from the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration, the Philippines has expressed “great interest in Swedish systems” including fighter aircraft, command systems and airborne early-warning aircraft.

Last year, PAF chief Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño led a small delegation to Sweden, where they engaged with the Swedish Air Force and toured the Saab facility to check the JAS-39 and Saab 340 airborne early warning and control aircraft.

See full article Inquirer

from DEFENSE STUDIES https://bit.ly/3wRAztW
via IFTTT