Stockholm, August 29 - Saab’s CEO, Micael Johansson, confirmed in an interview with Dagens Industri that the company is engaged in active discussions with the Philippines regarding the potential acquisition of Gripen multirole fighter jets. This development follows Thailand’s recent order of four Gripen E/F aircraft, valued at approximately $583 million, and their successful combat deployment in a July 2025 border conflict with Cambodia. The Philippines, closely observing Thailand’s defense modernization due to their regional ties, is considering the Gripen as part of its air force modernization program. Johansson noted that while Manila’s evaluation process is less advanced than others, it is ongoing, with Thailand’s operational success potentially influencing the Philippines’ decision. The Gripen’s appeal lies in its advanced capabilities, including a maximum takeoff weight of 16,500 kg, a General Electric F414G engine producing 98 kN of thrust, and a combat radius of about 800 km, making it a strong contender against competitors like Lockheed Martin’s F-16.
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The Philippines’ interest in the Gripen dates back to 2016 when Saab established an office in Manila to pursue a contract for 12 multirole fighters. By 2018, Saab intensified its efforts, offering Gripen C/D MS20 aircraft to compete with the F-16V Block 70/72. A significant milestone was reached in November 2022 when Sweden’s Export Control Council approved potential Gripen exports to the Philippines, reversing an earlier decision. This was followed by a June 2023 memorandum of understanding between Manila and Stockholm, signed during the Shangri-La Dialogue, laying the groundwork for supplying 12 Gripen C/D MS20 aircraft to the Philippine Air Force. Despite these advancements, no binding contract has been finalized, primarily due to financing challenges. The Philippine government is exploring funding options, with Sweden’s export credit system potentially facilitating the deal. The Gripen’s technical strengths, such as its AESA radar, infrared search and track system, and ability to operate from short runways, align well with the Philippines’ need for versatile, cost-effective aircraft.
Thailand’s recent procurement and combat experience has bolstered Saab’s regional momentum. The Royal Thai Air Force, which has operated a squadron of Gripen C/D fighters since 2011, placed an order on August 25, 2025, for three single-seat Gripen E and one dual-seat Gripen F, with deliveries scheduled between 2025 and 2030. The contract includes training, equipment, and a long-term offset package involving technology transfer and industrial cooperation. Thailand’s first combat use of Gripens on July 26, 2025, during clashes along the Cambodian border demonstrated the aircraft’s operational reliability, enhancing its appeal to neighboring countries like the Philippines. The Gripen E/F variants feature advanced avionics, including the ES-05 Raven AESA radar and a 360-degree electronic warfare suite, and can carry up to seven Meteor beyond-visual-range missiles, offering superior air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities.
Saab’s success in Southeast Asia is further evidenced by other regional acquisitions, such as Peru’s $3.5 billion purchase of 24 Gripen E/F fighters in July 2025, chosen over the F-16 and Rafale for its lower unit costs and favorable offset terms. For the Philippines, the decision to acquire Gripens hinges on securing funding and moving beyond exploratory talks into concrete negotiations. The aircraft’s ability to operate from dispersed bases with minimal support, combined with its interoperability with NATO-standard systems, makes it a strategic fit for the Philippine Air Force. As Manila weighs its options against the F-16, Thailand’s operational success and Saab’s tailored industrial cooperation proposals could tip the scales in favor of the Gripen, potentially transforming the Philippines’ air defense capabilities in the region.
