Sweden offers fighter jets to the Philippines

equally high in a recent Swedish survey. Sweden is historically a country that has been neutral, but is now seeking to join NATO.

Stockholm has repeated its offer to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to purchase the Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft, as a response to PAF’s wish to modernize its existing fleet.

Sweden’s Ambassador to Manila, Annika Thunborg, recently visited the secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND), Gilberto Teodoro Jr., at the DND headquarters. Shortly after it was highlighted by Teodoro that any defense procurement must follow the principles of sustainability, interoperability and supportability.

Swedish Ambassador Thunborg said she understands the necessity for a modern air force, and emphasized the still existing offer from Sweden regarding their flagship multirole fighter aircraft.

Back in June, the Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson signed a MoU on defense material cooperation together with Defense Secretary of the Philippines, Carlito Galvez Jr. In the agreement it was made clear by Sweden, that the aircraft offer exists as part of the cooperation plan.