THE Department of National Defense has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Defense of Sweden, allowing the latter to take part in implementation of the Philippine military’s modernization program.
Defense officer-in-charge Carlito Galvez Jr and Swedish defense minister Pí¥l Jonson on signed the Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Cooperation in the Acquisition of Defense Materiel, in Singapore Saturday on the sidelines of the Shangri-la Dialogue organized by the International Institute Strategic Studies in Singapore.
“The signed agreement paves the way for advancing cooperation in the areas of logistics, defense industry development, and exchange of related information between the two countries,” said DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong.
The MOU signing came two months after Galvez and Swedish Ambassador Annika Thunborg expressed desire for “negotiation and conclusion” of a framework on defense materiel conclusion” between the two countries.
Andolong said the MOU allows Sweden to take part in the modernization program of the Armed Forces, which calls for the acquisition of modern aircraft and ships to better secure the country’s territory.
“The agreement opens up opportunities for Swedish defense industries to participate in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program as well as for possible joint initiatives in support of the Philippines’ thrust to achieve a self-reliant defense posture,” said Andolong.
In December last year, Thunborg met with then DND officer-in-charge Senior Undersecretary Jose Faustino and discussed the Philippine Air Force’s multi-role fighter (MRF) acquisition project and the offer of Swedish defense and aerospace company Saab AB of Gripen aircraft.
In a statement issued after the December meeting between Faustino and Thunborg, the DND said Saab AB’s Gripen aircraft “has been in the PAF’s shortlist” in the MRF acquisition project.
