"We are witnessing a historic process -- Russians are leaving for the first time in two centuries," independent Azerbaijani analyst Elhan Shahinoglu told AFP.
"Deliberately grounded on a tiny reef in the #SouthChinaSea, part of an island chain claimed by the two Asian countries, the #BRPSierraMadre is now the unlikely base for a detachment of Filipino marines who stand guard over the atoll, scanning the turquoise waters for Chinese ships." #AyunginShoal#SecondThomasShoal#Philippines
More multi-role fighters, more ships and maybe submarines. #China’s aggressive actions in the #WestPHSea has radically altered the modernization program. #SouthChinaSea#JAS39Gripen
Linking the Philippine Air Force Saab #JAS39Gripen multi-role fighter (MRF) thread to the #WestPHSea thread. There is a strong possibility the #Philippines will be getting more than 14 MRF's (12 Gripen C & 2 Gripen D) since that number won't be enough to cover our #EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone).
Note that the PAF was also considering getting F16's from the US though that proved too expensive for the original budget. Delivery time was also longer.
The Philippines is close to sealing a deal with Sweden to acquire a squadron of 12 multi-role fighters worth 61 billion pesos, a defense spokesman said on Friday.
Director Arsenio Andolong said both sides are expected to sign an agreement by next month in Sweden. #JAS39Gripen
Because of #Beijing’s massive defence build-up in the region, #SoutheastAsia air forces are ordering new equipment and eyeing more potent capabilities.
The #Jas39Gripen came about as a result of #Sweden's #Bas90 program from the 1970s. Bas 90 required aircraft that could be quickly scrambled from such small, scattered, makeshift bases, making it much harder for an enemy to destroy Sweden's air force quickly.
I stumbled upon the Reddit discussion below & translated the quoted Swedish article on the SEK 11.74B (krona)/ USD 1.13B/PHP 63B (peso) recent arms sale to a "secret country".
A second reliable source cites the same number of MRFs to be purchased and the same two primary candidates - Sweden's #Jas39Gripen & the US #F16. This is the first one that mentions #India's #HALTejas which is technically a Light Combat Aircraft or #LCA (like our FA-50), it's not an #MRF.
The news is supposed to be officially announced soon.