RP may buy JAS 39 Gripens

RP may buy JAS 39 Gripens

STOCKHOLM (AFP): The Philippine government is interested in buying the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen jet fighter following talks between the Philippines and the manufacturing consortium, the Swedish financial newspaper FinansTidningen said yesterday.

A delegation from the Philippine air force had visited Sweden, the paper said, noting that a possible deal could amount to seven-billion kronor (US$897 million).

The JAS 39 Gripen, manufactured by a consortium led by Sweden's Saab and British Aerospace, is estimated to cost some 28 million to US$30 million per plane.

The Philippine air force is in need of 20 to 30 modern jet fighters. A decision on who gets the order is expected before 2000.