Saab attracted attention at ADAS 2018 with the display of a mock-up of the JAS 39 Gripen fighter, one that President Rodrigo Duterte examined in detail afterhours on opening day. The Swedish company is positioning itself for a big-ticket requirement for 12 multirole fighters under the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) modernisation plan.
Under Horizon 2 of this plan, covering 2018-22, the PAF wants to purchase a squadron of fighters, with another 12 fighters desired under Horizon 3 for the subsequent five years. For the first phase, the government has allocated PHP61.2 billion ($1.15 billion) in funds, plus there is