Bons Cue PH

On May 28, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced during a joint press conference Ukraine's intention to purchase 20 JAS 39 Gripen E/F multirole fighters from Sweden.

The acquisition of the Gripen E/F is part of a broader defense agreement signed by the two leaders in October 2025, which outlined Ukraine's intention to acquire more than 100 Gripen fighters, along with various other Swedish-made defense systems and equipment.

In addition to the purchase of the newer Gripen E/F variants, Sweden will transfer 16 JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighters from the current inventory of the Swedish Air Force. The transfer of these 16 aircraft is directly tied to Ukraine's procurement of 20 new Gripen E/Fs.

The aid package is also expected to include advanced air-to-air munitions such as the IRIS-T, AIM-120 AMRAAM, and the long-range Meteor missile. Swedish support will likewise cover pilot training, technical instruction, and maintenance assistance for the aircraft and associated systems. Training for Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel could begin as early as this year.

The delivery of the pledged Gripen C/D fighters and their associated munitions is expected by 2027, providing Ukraine with an interim capability while awaiting the arrival of the newly built Gripen E/F aircraft, whose deliveries are projected to begin around 2030.

Ukraine's planned acquisition of Gripen fighters and other Swedish-made defense equipment has been made possible through the European Union's approval of a €90 billion ($106 billion) support package last April 2026, aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities against the ongoing Russian invasion.

President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has earmarked €2.5 billion from the €90 billion EU funding package specifically for the acquisition of the Gripens.

With the initial order of 20 Gripen E/F fighters, it is possible that follow-on acquisitions will be formalized in the coming years as Ukraine moves toward its stated objective of operating a fleet of more than 100 Gripens.

At present, Saab is already committed to several major production programs, including orders from Colombia for 18 Gripen E/F fighters, Thailand for four Gripen E/Fs, and the remaining two Gripen C aircraft destined for Hungary.

At the same time, Saab continues to fulfill the Swedish Air Force's requirement for at least 60 Gripen E/F aircraft while supporting Brazil's production program, which aims to complete the delivery of 36 Gripen fighters by 2032.

Should Ukraine proceed with large-scale acquisitions of the Gripen E/F, Saab's production capacity will face increasing pressure as it balances domestic requirements and export commitments. Ukraine's future purchases could potentially involve local assembly arrangements similar to Saab's partnership with Embraer in Brazil. However, the significant number of aircraft Ukraine intends to acquire may further limit available production slots for other prospective operators, including the Philippines, should the Philippine government eventually decide to procure the JAS 39 Gripen.

Ukraine has demonstrated, along with other countries did in the past that a phased (piecemeal) acquisition strategy can be effective, as long as it remains focused on achieving the total aircraft requirement over time.

Another milestone was marked for the Philippine Navy as its newest vessel, the BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-22), the second ship of the Sulayman-class, was formally christened into service.

BRP Rajah Lakandula arrived in the Philippines last May 8, 2026, following months of sea trials in South Korea after its launch in November 2025. The vessel now joins its sister ship, BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-21), which was commissioned earlier this February.

Four more Sulayman-class vessels are scheduled for delivery by HD Hyundai until 2028. However, with the company’s impressive pace and efficiency in shipbuilding, the remaining ships could potentially be delivered ahead of the agreed schedule.

The Sulayman-class vessels are based on HD Hyundai’s HDP-2200 design, with a displacement of around 2,450 tons. A total of six ships were ordered by the Philippine government in 2022 under a contract worth ₱30 billion. Additional systems are also expected to be integrated into the ships in the future, further enhancing their capabilities as offshore patrol vessels.

We would like to acknowledge the Central Luzon Gazette and the Philippine Navy for the photos.

Sharing a photo of the BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37), traversing Indonesian waters and now es**rted by the Indonesian Navy vessel, KRI Selar (879), a Pari-Class, 40 M type fast patrol boat.

The BRP Artemio Ricarte will be representing the Philippine Navy for the 2nd leg of Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) PHILINDO-40-2026.

And as the Ricarte entered the Indonesian water, they were warmly greeted by the KRI Selar crew, this signify the brotherhood between the Philippine and Indonesian Navy.

Both ships also conducted SIMEX or Simulation Exercise, which is to further enhance the interoperability between the two navies and for the effective securing of the shared borders between the Philippines and Indonesia.

We would like to acknowledge one of Bons Cue PH's followers who wants to remain anonymous and entrusted us with these photos.


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Sharing these photos of the Philippine Navy’s Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts as they es**rted the Jacinto-class corvette BRP Artemio Ricarte on its way to Indonesia for the second leg of the Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) PHILINDO-40-2026.

While en route to the Indonesia-Philippines border, the MPACs, together with BRP Artemio Ricarte, conducted a SIMEX or Simulation Exercise, a drill designed to evaluate and enhance the readiness, coordination, tactics, and communication capabilities of participating naval forces.

Before reaching the border area, the two MPACs returned to port, while an Indonesian Navy vessel took over the es**rt duties for the Philippine Navy ship within Indonesian waters.

As seen in the photos, the MPACs were armed with the Spike-ER missile system. Their deployment in Southern Philippine waters has undeniably shifted the dynamics of maritime security operations in the ZamBaSulta (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi) area of operations. With their speed, maneuverability, and firepower, the MPACs have significantly hampered insurgent maritime movement across the region.

We would like to acknowledge one of Bons Cue PH's followers for entrusting us with these photos.


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The KM-SAM II, also known as the Cheongung-II, has built a strong reputation following its strong performance in the recent Iranian conflict, where the system was said to have demonstrated impressive accuracy, reliability, and a high interception success rate. Its performance has now drawn the attention of several countries seeking to strengthen their air defense capabilities.

At present, the KM-SAM II is operated by South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. The UAE ordered a total of 10 batteries in January 2022 under a deal valued at more than $3 billion.

During the recent conflict involving Iran, initial UAE-operated KM-SAM II batteries were heavily utilized and achieved an interception success rate of around 95%. The system was employed against incoming Iranian cruise and ballistic missiles, serving alongside the American-made Patriot air defense system.

Saudi Arabia and Iraq have also placed orders for the KM-SAM II in 2024; both countries are still awaiting the initial delivery of their systems. The urgency behind these acquisitions reflects growing concerns in the region over the possibility of renewed missile and drone attacks should tensions involving Iran escalate once again.

The reported effectiveness of the KM-SAM II has reportedly convinced other Gulf nations as well, with Kuwait and Qatar now believed to be nearing potential acquisition agreements for the system.

Ukraine has also reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the KM-SAM II. However, South Korea is said to have denied the request due to its arms export policy, which restricts the sale of South Korean-made weapon systems to countries actively engaged in ongoing conflicts.

This contrasts with South Korea’s missile defense sales to Middle Eastern nations, despite the region’s fragile security situation following the missile-heavy confrontations during the Iranian conflict.

Some analysts also believe that South Korea’s hesitation to supply the KM-SAM II to Ukraine may be linked to the system’s developmental background. Early development of the KM-SAM program involved cooperation with Russia’s Almaz-Antey, with some technological influence from the 9M96 missile family used in the S-350 and S-400 air defense systems.

Because of this, some observers believe Seoul’s refusal may also be aimed at avoiding tensions with Russia.

This would not be the first time Ukraine has been denied access to a foreign missile defense system. Earlier in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukraine also sought to acquire Israel’s Iron Dome system. Israel ultimately declined the request, reportedly due to concerns over maintaining its delicate relationship with Russia.

South Korea’s KM-SAM II is reportedly among the probable contenders to succeed Israel’s Spyder Air Defense System for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as the AFP seeks a higher-tier ground-based air defense capability.

The planned system is expected to provide enhanced protection not only against aircraft and UAVs, but also against cruise and ballistic missile threats. Defense planners are reportedly looking for a platform that combines advanced capabilities with long-term affordability, allowing the country to economically operate and sustain the system for many years.

Sharing these latest photos, courtesy of PT PAL Indonesia, showing the current status of the Philippine Navy’s LPD-003. The vessel is now finally taking shape, a stark contrast to the images from January 2026, where only semi-built components could be seen inside the drydock.

These photos became available during the visit of an Indonesian minister to PT PAL’s shipbuilding facility, where the company also presented the ongoing progress of the vessel.

Reports indicate that PT PAL is targeting the delivery of the first vessel by November 2026. However, Bons Cue PH believes that, considering the extensive safety checks, sea trials, and thorough inspections to be conducted by both Indonesian and Philippine Navy representatives, the actual delivery may likely take place in early 2027.

With the first vessel now largely assembled inside the drydock, we also hope that construction work for the second LPD is already progressing steadily, particularly the fabrication of its modules and semi-built components, allowing faster assembly once the first ship is launched.

Among the Philippine Navy’s Horizon 2 projects, several programs have generally satisfied both the DND and the Navy due to efficient project management and timely deliveries. This includes vessels such as the Malvar-class and the Sulayman Class, which were built by HD Hyundai. and the Acero-class patrol gunboats built by Israeli Shipyards. Unfortunately, the additional Tarlac-class LPD project became one of the few major naval programs that experienced significant delays.

Nevertheless, we are glad that the project is finally showing visible progress. At the same time, the overall handling of the program and the delays encountered will certainly become an important reference for both the Philippine Navy and the Department of National Defense in evaluating and guiding future naval acquisition projects.