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The Philippine Department of National Defence (DND) has followed up on its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sweden, signed in June 2023, aimed at strengthening their defense cooperation.
On 19 February 2024, the DND announced that it is finalising an Implementation Agreement (IA) with Sweden to facilitate the procurement of defense equipment. This IA is expected to be finalised in March during a meeting in Sweden.
The cooperation encompasses the purchase of defense equipment in general. However, in August 2023, the Swedish ambassador in the Philippines already discussed the Saab JAS39 Gripen C/D multirole fighter with the DND.
The Gripen is considered a contender for the Philippine Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) project, alongside the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon.
The MRF project is part of a broader programme called the Modernisation Programme Horizon Two, focused on enhancing the nation's external defence capabilities. The acquisition of twelve KAI FA-50PH light combat aircraft between 2015 and 2017 is intended to be complemented by the winner of the MRF project.
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