The Philippines and Sweden have signed an agreement supporting Manila’s procurement of defense equipment from Stockholm.
It will serve as the framework for the Philippines’ purchase of multi-role fighter aircraft for the Philippine Air Force, which was discussed in a memorandum of understanding in 2023.
The Philippines is also looking to purchase command systems and airborne early warning capabilities through the agreement.
“We are now taking a concrete and important step forward in the cooperation with the Philippines. The door is now open for Swedish defense companies to participate in procurements for the Philippine defense,” Swedish Materiel Administration exports head Joakim Wallin stated.
The arrangement is part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Horizon 3 project, which highlights a decade of modernization plans for the country’s defense capabilities.
The Horizon 3 Modernization Plan
The Philippines’ Horizon 3 initiative, which currently has a 2-trillion peso ($35 billion) budget, seeks to address China’s aggression in the South China Sea by purchasing state-of-the-art ships, aircraft, and radar systems.
The country plans to utilize the acquisitions to protect its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.
Horizon’s previous phase saw the integration of India’s BrahMos cruise missiles and Turkey’s T129 ATAK helicopters into the force.