As a Philippino told me, buying the Gripen would have been much better. Used Gripen C can be had for the same price or less. The first Gripen Cs cost also 30 million, as much as the FA 50
The Gripen is better operationally, but what about politically? Currying favor with the U.S. with a half-Lockheed Martin product makes more sense than going with a Swedish design (albeit one with a American engine).