With the current developments especially the improved defense & economic relations between the Philippines & Sweden, it is becoming apparent that the DND still aims to go with the Saab JAS-39C/D Gripen for the Philippine Air Force's MRF Acquisition Project. Here's why:
1/x
1. Price - the PAF's budget for MRF has practically unchanged, which means only Saab can meet the budget vs quantity needed. Lockheed Martin's offer for 12 aircraft, sans the other package inclusions, is still beyond the PAF's budget. At best it can onpy afford 6 Vipers.
2/x
2. Delivery - apparently Saab can deliver the first 4 aircraft in less than 1 year from NTP release. Meanwhile Lockheed Martin can't do the same, even for the freebie F-16 Block 30 that they committed to provide which may take at least a year to transfer to PAF.
3/x
3. Despite this, it appears that its not the end of the Philippine Air Force's attempt to have the F-16 fighter in its arsenal. The PH-US Security Sector Assistance Roadmap is still open for options to obtain used F-16s, probably Block 30 or 40 for transfer to the PAF.
4/x
4. We mentioned before, the US remains open to the transfer of used F-16s for free, but requires the recepient to pay for mid life extensions & upgrades using American companies. The PAF may still have F-16 Block 70/72 Vipers in this way.
5/x
5. But this means the Philippines will need to shell out money for the upgrades, and this may cost almost half the price of a brand new Gripen C. The US may assist by using FMF to shoulder part of the costs, or provide loans to assist in the payment of the upgrade works.
6/x
Share this Scrolly Tale with your friends.
A Scrolly Tale is a new way to read Twitter threads with a more visually immersive experience.
Discover more beautiful Scrolly Tales like this.