The United States has approved the potential sale of $5.58 billion worth of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, framing the deal as a move to bolster the security and foreign policy interests of the U.S. by enhancing the capabilities of a “strategic partner.” The U.S. State Department announced on Tuesday that the sale, which includes 20 F-16 warplanes and related equipment, has been greenlit. The Philippines is described as “an important force for political stability” in Southeast Asia.
The acquisition of the F-16s is expected to improve the Philippine Air Force’s ability to conduct maritime domain awareness, close air support missions, and enhance its suppression of enemy air defenses. However, the State Department emphasized that the proposed sale “will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”
This potential purchase comes amid escalating tensions between the Philippines and China over maritime disputes in the South China Sea. China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, despite an international legal ruling that invalidates such claims. Recent months have seen confrontations between the Philippine Navy and Chinese coastguard forces in the contested waters.
The Philippines has expressed interest in acquiring F-16s from the U.S. since at least the administration of former President Benigno Aquino, which ended in 2016. Under current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who took office in 2022, Manila has significantly deepened its defense cooperation with Washington and has pushed back against Beijing’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.
During a recent visit to the Philippines, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that Washington and Manila must stand “shoulder to shoulder” against “threats from the communist Chinese.” The potential sale of advanced fighter jets to the Philippines coincides with China conducting military drills around Taiwan, simulating a blockade of the self-ruled island. Beijing has vowed to bring Taiwan under its control, by force if necessary.
Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner warned that his country would “inevitably” be involved if China invades Taiwan. “Start planning for actions in case there is an invasion of Taiwan,” Brawner told troops in northern Luzon, the part of the Philippines closest to Taiwan. He added, “If something happens to Taiwan, inevitably we will be involved.”
Joint U.S.-Philippine military exercises, scheduled for later this month, will take place in northern Luzon, an area Brawner identified as a potential target for attack. “These are the areas where we perceive the possibility of an attack. I do not want to sound alarmist, but we have to prepare,” he said.
In December, the Philippines further angered China by announcing plans to acquire the U.S. mid-range Typhoon missile system to secure its maritime interests. Beijing warned that such a purchase could trigger a regional “arms race.”
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