Manila, August 26 - The Philippines has been seeking to modernize its air force, a critical component of its Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, aimed at bolstering external defense and safeguarding its maritime territories, particularly in the contested South China Sea. In April 2025, the U.S. State Department approved a potential Foreign Military Sale of 20 F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets to the Philippines, valued at approximately $5.58 billion. This package includes 16 single-seat F-16C jets and four dual-seat F-16D jets, along with advanced avionics, radar systems, AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles, and other munitions, designed to enhance the Philippine Air Force’s capabilities in maritime domain awareness, close air support, and suppression of enemy air defenses. The proposed sale follows a 2021 attempt to sell 12 F-16s for $2.43 billion, which fell through due to budget constraints, as Manila had allocated only $1.1 billion. The current deal, significantly larger in scope and cost, reflects the Philippines’ strategic need to counter regional tensions, particularly with China, and aligns with strengthened U.S.-Philippine defense ties, highlighted by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to Manila in March 2025, where he emphasized an “ironclad alliance” to counter regional aggression.
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Despite U.S. approval, the deal remains uncertain, as it is not yet finalized and requires Manila’s formal acceptance through a letter of agreement. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the sale, initiating a 30-day window for potential objections, though such interventions are rare. However, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro expressed skepticism about the deal in June 2025 during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, stating that no formal offer had been received and that the purchase was not yet under serious consideration. This hesitation stems from financial concerns, as the $5.58 billion price tag—covering jets, weapons, training, and support—poses a significant burden for the Philippines, prioritizing coastal defense and maritime patrol capabilities over high-end fighter jets. The Philippine Air Force currently operates 12 South Korean FA-50 jets, which are less capable than the F-16s, with a top speed of about 1,150 miles per hour compared to the F-16’s Mach 2 capability. The F-16s, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, offer advanced features like the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System and compatibility with existing FA-50 support systems, potentially easing maintenance costs.
The strategic context of the proposed sale is shaped by escalating tensions in the South China Sea, where China’s expansive territorial claims overlap with the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, leading to frequent confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels. The F-16s would significantly enhance Manila’s ability to patrol its vast archipelago and deter external threats, aligning with the “Horizon 3” modernization plan, which envisions acquiring 40 fighter jets with a $33.6 billion budget. However, Teodoro’s remarks suggest competing priorities, with investments in cyber infrastructure, air defense systems, and corvettes taking precedence. Additionally, the Philippines is exploring alternatives, such as acquiring more FA-50s or Swedish Gripen-E fighters, which are reportedly cheaper to operate but less interoperable with U.S. systems. The high per-unit cost of the F-16 package, approximately $279 million when factoring in support systems, has drawn comparisons to the more advanced F-35, raising questions about affordability and strategic value for Manila.
The decision to proceed with the F-16 purchase hinges on balancing strategic needs with economic realities. While the U.S. has pledged $500 million in foreign military financing, this covers only a fraction of the deal’s cost. The Philippines’ defense strategy emphasizes self-reliance, and Lockheed Martin has highlighted the F-16’s in-country maintenance potential, which could support long-term operational sustainability. However, Teodoro’s cautious stance and the absence of a formal offer suggest that Manila may delay or scale back the acquisition, potentially opting for a smaller batch of jets or alternative platforms. As regional security dynamics evolve, the F-16 deal represents a critical opportunity to elevate the Philippine Air Force’s capabilities, but its fate remains uncertain amid fiscal constraints and competing defense priorities.