MANILA, Philippines – The United States has approved a potential sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, a major step in strengthening the country’s defense capabilities amid growing regional security concerns. The deal, valued at approximately $5.58 billion, includes 20 state-of-the-art F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft along with advanced weaponry, radars, and support systems.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed the approval on April 1, 2025, after notifying Congress. This acquisition marks a significant upgrade for the Philippine Air Force (PAF), enhancing its ability to conduct air defense operations, maritime patrols, and close air support missions.

Aircraft and Equipment Package The Philippines has requested the purchase of 16 F-16C Block 70/72 and four F-16D Block 70/72 models. These aircraft come equipped with cutting-edge systems, including AN/APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, modern mission computers, and embedded GPS navigation. The deal also covers spare parts, maintenance, pilot training, and logistics support.

The package includes:

  • 24 General Electric or Pratt & Whitney engines (20 installed, 4 spares)
  • 112 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles
  • 40 AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles
  • 36 Guided Bomb Unit (GBU)-39/B Small Diameter Bombs
  • 60 MK-82 500-lb and 60 MK-84 2,000-lb general-purpose bombs
  • M61A1 20mm anti-aircraft cannons
  • Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods
  • Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kits

Strategic Impact and U.S.-Philippines Relations The DSCA emphasized that the sale supports U.S. foreign policy objectives by strengthening a key strategic ally in Southeast Asia. The F-16s will enhance the PAF’s capabilities in aerial interdiction and suppression of enemy air defenses while improving interoperability with U.S. forces.

“The proposed sale will enhance the Philippine Air Force’s ability to conduct maritime domain awareness and close air support missions,” the DSCA statement read. “This will strengthen the country’s capacity to protect its territory and vital interests.”

Funding and Delivery Timeline While the total estimated cost stands at $5.58 billion, final figures may be adjusted based on contract negotiations, financing terms, and payment schedules. The Philippine government has yet to confirm the full financing structure of the deal.

The delivery schedule remains undisclosed, but the PAF is expected to integrate the aircraft into its fleet over the coming years, ensuring a gradual transition to enhanced air defense capabilities.

Lockheed Martin to Supply Aircraft Lockheed Martin, headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, will manufacture the aircraft. The deal does not require additional U.S. military personnel to be stationed in the Philippines, nor does it impact U.S. defense readiness.

A Major Step in Military Modernization This purchase aligns with the Philippine government’s ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces. The acquisition of F-16s is part of the broader AFP modernization program, which aims to bolster the country’s territorial defense and response capabilities amid growing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

With this deal, the Philippines takes a major step toward enhancing its air power, ensuring better security for its maritime and airspace territories while reinforcing its defense partnership with the United States.