Latest news with #SAAB
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Stephen Nodine withdrawing from Mobile mayor's race
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Just months into the race, Stephen Nodine has announced he is withdrawing his candidacy for mayor of Mobile. Son kills mother before being killed by brother: Mobile police In a news release Tuesday, Nodine highlighted his accomplishments as a public official — first as a Mobile City councilman from 2001-2004, and then as a Mobile County Commissioner from 2004-2010. 'During my time in office, I had the privilege of helping lay the foundation for transformative projects like Airbus, Austal and SAAB (formerly ThyssenKrupp),' he said. Nodine said he was hoping to continue moving the city forward, and feels he has started the conversations that will get that done. 'I'm … proud that many of the core issues I have raised throughout this campaign have now become central talking points for others in the race,' he said. Those talking points included: The need for Mobile to compete with Baldwin County for jobs, growth and opportunity Consolidating services to eliminate waste and improve efficiency Instituting a comprehensive Employees Health Care Committee Appointing proven, independent leadership for the Mobile Police Department, free from political interference Holding unelected boards, such as MAWSS and Big Creek Lake authorities, accountable for their power to raise fees and restrict property rights He said he wanted to move forward, but blamed his past for the need to step away — his conviction for harassment and perjury after the death of his mistress in May 2010. Nodine also pleaded guilty in federal court to being a drug user in possession of a weapon. 'The reality is that I faced unprecedented legal challenges, including being the only person in Baldwin County history to face felony charges related to a indigent form,' he said. 'My federal conviction … has since been ruled unconstitutional, and my record is well-documented in official pardon hearings.' Nodine said he has diligently tried to clear his name, 'following every rule, every deadline and every required step to secure my full pardon.' He said the lengthy process would prevent his pardon application from being reviewed before the Aug. 26 election, and his request for an expedited pardon review was denied. 'Out of respect for the voters and the integrity of this race, I believe it would be a disservice to remain a candidate at this time,' he said. He said this is not the end for his commitment to Mobile. UPDATE: 2 brothers arrested after deadly Mobile County shooting 'The work to restore Mobile's leadership and future prosperity is far from over — and I intend to remain part of the conversation,' he said. 'Let's make Mobile great again.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Free Malaysia Today
04-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Thailand to buy 12 Swedish Gripen fighter jets
Thailand has dozens of American F-16 and F-5 aircraft, some of which have been in operation since the late 1980s. (EPA images pic) BANGKOK : Thailand plans to acquire a dozen Gripen JAS 39 fighter jets built by Sweden's SAAB over 10 years to replace its ageing fleet of mainly US aircraft, the air force chief said today, two years after Washington denied its request to buy F-35s. Thailand has one of Southeast Asia's best-equipped air forces, with 11 JAS 39 Gripen jets and dozens of American F-16 and F-5 aircraft, some of which have been in operation since the late 1980s. The budget for the first procurement phase from 2025 to 2029 is US$596 million for four Gripen jets, air chief marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul said. The air force, which had said last year that it wanted to buy more Swedish jets, said it would send the plan to cabinet for approval next month. If approved, the contract was expected to be signed in August. 'We welcome the Royal Thai Air Force's selection of Gripen E/F as its future fighter and look forward to the next steps in this procurement process,' SAAB CEO Micael Johansson said in a statement. 'Gripen E/F is the best solution to provide Thailand with independent airpower for the future which will contribute significantly to the nation's safety and security,' he said. The Swedish company said it had not signed a contract nor received a firm order yet. Thailand, which has a long history of military cooperation with the US and was designated a major non-Nato ally by Washington in 2023, had initially sought as many as eight Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth jets, among the world's most advanced fighter aircraft. But the US in 2023 declined to sell them over what Bangkok said were issues with training and technical requirements including maintenance compatibility. The F-35 is considered a sensitive export sold only to the US' closest allies, which in the Indo-Pacific include Australia, Japan, South Korea and Singapore.
CNA
04-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
Thailand to buy 4 more Swedish Gripen fighter jets, air force says
BANGKOK: Thailand plans to acquire a dozen Gripen JAS 39 fighter jets built by Sweden's SAAB over 10 years to replace its ageing fleet of mainly US aircraft, the air force chief said on Wednesday (Jun 4), two years after Washington denied its request to buy F-35s. Thailand has one of Southeast Asia's best-equipped air forces, with 11 JAS 39 Gripen jets and dozens of American F-16 and F-5 aircraft, some of which have been in operation since the late 1980s. The budget for the first procurement phase from 2025 to 2029 is 19.5 billion baht (US$596 million) for four Gripen jets, Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul said. The air force, which had said last year that it wanted to buy more Swedish jets, said it would send the plan to cabinet for approval next month. If approved, the contract was expected to be signed in August. "We welcome the Royal Thai Air Force's selection of Gripen E/F as its future fighter and look forward to the next steps in this procurement process," SAAB CEO Micael Johansson said in a statement. "Gripen E/F is the best solution to provide Thailand with independent airpower for the future which will contribute significantly to the nation's safety and security," he said. The Swedish company said it had not signed a contract nor received a firm order yet. Thailand, which has a long history of military cooperation with the United States and was designated a Major Non-NATO Ally by Washington in 2023, had initially sought as many as eight Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth jets, among the world's most advanced fighter aircraft. But the United States in 2023 declined to sell them over what Bangkok said were issues with training and technical requirements including maintenance compatibility. The F-35 is considered a sensitive export sold only to the United States' closest allies, which in the Indo-Pacific include Australia, Japan, South Korea and Singapore.
Business Times
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Thailand to buy 12 Swedish Gripen fighter jets, air force says
[BANGKOK] Thailand plans to acquire a dozen Gripen JAS 39 fighter jets built by Sweden's SAAB over 10 years to replace its ageing fleet of mainly US aircraft, the air force chief said on Wednesday (Jun 4), two years after Washington denied its request to buy F-35s. Thailand has one of South-east Asia's best-equipped air forces, with 11 JAS 39 Gripen jets and dozens of American F-16 and F-5 aircraft, some of which have been in operation since the late 1980s. The budget for the first procurement phase from 2025 to 2029 is 19.5 billion baht (S$768.5 million) for four Gripen jets, Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul said. The air force, which had said last year that it wanted to buy more Swedish jets, said it would send the plan to cabinet for approval next month. If approved, the contract was expected to be signed in August. 'We welcome the Royal Thai Air Force's selection of Gripen E/F as its future fighter and look forward to the next steps in this procurement process,' SAAB CEO Micael Johansson said in a statement. 'Gripen E/F is the best solution to provide Thailand with independent airpower for the future which will contribute significantly to the nation's safety and security,' he said. The Swedish company said it had not signed a contract nor received a firm order yet. Thailand, which has a long history of military cooperation with the United States and was designated a Major Non-Nato Ally by Washington in 2023, had initially sought as many as eight Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth jets, among the world's most advanced fighter aircraft. But the United States in 2023 declined to sell them over what Bangkok said were issues with training and technical requirements, including maintenance compatibility. The F-35 is considered a sensitive export sold only to the United States' closest allies, which in the Indo-Pacific include Australia, Japan, South Korea and Singapore. REUTERS
Japan Forward
28-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
DSEI Japan: Showcasing Innovation Amid Rising Threats
DSEI Japan, the country's largest defense trade exhibition, was held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba from May 21 to 23. Originally launched in the United Kingdom, the event has taken place in Japan biannually since 2021, making this its third running. The 2025 event was the largest to date, featuring 471 exhibitors from 33 countries. Japanese companies comprised roughly 40% of all participants, reflecting the nation's growing interest in the defense industry. On May 22, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba became the first sitting Japanese leader to attend the exhibition. He delivered a speech stressing his commitment to defense equipment collaboration with allies and partner nations. "Advancing collaboration in equipment transfer, joint development, and joint production is crucial for promoting peace and stability in Japan and the region," he said. Ishiba highlighted China's "unilateral attempts to change the status quo" in the East and South China Seas, North Korea's ballistic missile launches, and expanding military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. "The security environment is becoming increasingly severe," he said. Kawasaki Heavy Industries' unmanned helicopter can carry 200 kg of cargo. (©Hidemitsu Kaito) Ishiba added, "Equipment cooperation will help strengthen deterrence not only for our country but also for our allies and partners." The Prime Minister also mentioned the significance of Japan, the UK, and Italy collaborating on the next-generation fighter jet, the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). "This will lay the foundation for broad coordination with the UK and Italy for generations to come," he said. After his speech, Ishiba toured the venue, observing the latest defense technology. The exhibition featured cutting-edge technologies, including gears, small arms, large ships, unmanned vehicles, and cybersecurity systems. Japan's Ministry of Defense drew particular attention with its "railgun" (electromagnetic cannon) designed to intercept hypersonic missiles. Japan's Ministry of Defense unveils "rail gun" at the DSEI exhibit (left) on May 21. (©Hidemitsu Kaito) Rising geopolitical tensions are boosting demand for unmanned aircraft and automated, labor-saving technologies. They are also accelerating innovation to enhance soldier safety. Sweden's SAAB showcased a training system for anti-tank recoilless rifles. Meanwhile, Turkish firm OTOKAR displayed an armored vehicle designed for countering anti-tank mines. A Ukrainian company unveiled a drone-based precision strike system, gaining attention for its technology honed through real combat experience. SAAB showcases a training system for firing anti-tank recoilless rifles. (©Hidemitsu Kaito) On May 21, United States Ambassador to Japan George Glass attended the opening ceremony at the US Pavilion. In his remarks, the ambassador emphasized the need for regional stability and stronger deterrence."Coordination among allies in the Indo-Pacific, joint development, and joint production are essential. Collaboration between American and Japanese defense industries is indispensable," he said. Ambassador George Glass speaks at the opening ceremony of the US Pavilion. (©Hidemitsu Kaito) Kawasaki Heavy Industries presented an unmanned helicopter capable of carrying up to 200 kilograms of supplies for potential use in island defense. Meanwhile, Rakuten Group emphasized its support for Ukrainian startups through partnerships with Ukrainian government agencies. The Rakuten and Ukrainian agencies' booth showcases support for startups. (©Hidemitsu Kaito) Defense Minister Gen Nakatani tours the exhibition on May 21. (©Hidemitsu Kaito) Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, who toured the venue on the first day, said, "The number of enlistments in the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) is declining, making the introduction of drones and labor-saving equipment essential." The SDF has a capacity of around 247,000 personnel, but is projected to face a shortfall of 23,000 by the end of 2024. Japan's defense system continues to evolve. The FY2025 defense budget is set at ¥8.4748 trillion JPY ($58.8 billion USD). This level represents a 9.7% increase from the previous year and reaches 1.8% of GDP. In 2020, the Air Self-Defense Force established a Space Operations Squadron to focus on outer space. Space surveillance has become increasingly vital, as evidenced by foreign firms capturing real-time satellite images of a North Korean destroyer grounding during its launch ceremony. A model of the next-generation fighter jet being jointly developed by Japan, the UK, and Italy. (©Hidemitsu Kaito) The next-generation fighter jet under development, GCAP, mentioned by Ishiba, is expected to outperform the American stealth fighter F-35. However, as China and Russia rapidly expand their military power, Japan must further strengthen its defense capabilities. ( Read this in Japanese ) Author: Hidemitsu Kaito
