Washington: The United States has greenlit a potential sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, marking a significant enhancement of Manila’s air force capabilities. The deal, valued at approximately $5.58 billion, includes advanced weaponry and avionics, according to a statement from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Tuesday.
The DSCA emphasized that the sale aligns with US foreign policy and national security objectives by bolstering the defense capacity of a key ally in Southeast Asia. The Philippines, recognized as a strategic partner, continues to play a pivotal role in maintaining regional stability, peace, and economic growth, the agency added.
This development follows a visit by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Manila last week, where he reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to strengthening military ties with the Philippines. He stressed that the US seeks to “reestablish deterrence” in response to China’s assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific region.
China has voiced its concerns over the deal, cautioning that any security cooperation undertaken by the Philippines should not undermine the interests of third parties or escalate regional tensions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that regional players should discern who is fueling instability and military confrontation.
The Philippines has been at the forefront of territorial disputes with China, particularly in the South China Sea, where Beijing has continued to assert sovereignty despite an international ruling dismissing its claims.
As part of the agreement, Manila is set to acquire 16 F-16C single-seat fighter jets and four F-16D dual-seat variants, primarily used for training. These aircraft represent the latest Block 70/72 models, which manufacturer Lockheed Martin touts as the most advanced fourth-generation fighters with an extended operational lifespan of over 12,000 hours.
The addition of these F-16s marks a significant upgrade to the Philippine Air Force, which currently operates a fleet of 12 FA-50 jets from South Korea—lighter aircraft primarily designed for ground attacks. The new F-16s boast a top speed exceeding 1,500 miles per hour, significantly outpacing the FA-50’s capabilities.
During a joint press conference with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Hegseth reaffirmed the US-Philippine alliance, characterizing it as "ironclad" in the face of China’s growing military influence. He further outlined Washington’s strategy to enhance military cooperation in the region, including deploying advanced military assets, conducting joint high-level operations, and fostering defense industrial partnerships.
The Trump administration has reiterated its commitment to prioritizing the Indo-Pacific region as a focal point of US military strategy. Hegseth stressed that for the 21st century to remain free, the United States must stand firmly alongside its allies.
