The United States Department of State has approved a potential foreign military sale of 20 Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines. The deal, valued at approximately USD5.58 billion, aims to enhance the Philippine Air Force’s operational capabilities.
On (Manila time) Wednesday, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency confirmed that the Philippines had requested 16 F-16C Block 70/72 fighter jets and four F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft. “The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today,” the agency announced.
The proposed purchase is expected to improve the Philippine Air Force’s ability to conduct maritime domain awareness operations, provide close air support, and suppress enemy air defenses. Additionally, the aircraft will strengthen its aerial interdiction capabilities.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, this sale will help the Armed Forces of the Philippines secure important national interests and territorial integrity while enhancing its interoperability with US forces. “The Philippines will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” the agency stated.
Comprehensive Military Package
Beyond the fighter jets, the deal includes an extensive range of equipment, weapons, and support systems. The package consists of 24 F110-GE-129D or F100-PW-229 engines (20 installed, four spares), 22 improved programmable display generators (20 installed, two spares), and 22 AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array scalable agile beam radars (20 installed, two spares).
Additional equipment includes 22 modular mission computers, 22 embedded global positioning system inertial navigation systems with selective availability anti-spoofing module or M-Code capability, as well as a variety of air-to-air missiles, bombs, launchers, and targeting equipment.
The agreement also provides technical support, simulators, and training devices to integrate the new fighter jets effectively into the Philippine Air Force.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in Southeast Asia,” the statement added.
Full List of Equipment and Weapons
The approved package includes:
- 16 F-16C Block 70/72 aircraft
- 4 F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft
- 24 F110-GE-129D or F100-PW-229 engines (20 installed, 4 spares)
- 22 improved programmable display generators (20 installed, 2 spares)
- 22 AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array scalable agile beam radars (20 installed, 2 spares)
- 22 modular mission computers (20 installed, 2 spares)
- 22 embedded global positioning system inertial navigation systems with selective availability anti-spoofing module or M-Code capability (20 installed, 2 spares)
- 88 LAU-129 guided missile launchers
- 22 M61A1 anti-aircraft guns (20 installed, 2 spares)
- 12 AN/AAQ-33 Sniper advanced targeting pods
- 24 multifunctional information distribution system-joint tactical radio systems
- 112 AIM-120C-8 or equivalent air intercept missiles
- 4 AIM-120C-8 guidance sections
- 36 GBU-39/B small diameter bombs increment 1
- 2 GBU-39(T-1)/B small diameter bomb guided test vehicles
- 40 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles
- 32 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder captive air training missiles
- 4 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder guidance units
- 3 AIM-9X Block II captive air training missile guidance units
- 60 MK-82 500-lb general-purpose bombs
- 60 MK-84 2,000-lb general-purpose bombs
- 30 Joint Direct Attack Munition KMU-572 tail kits for GBU-38 or Laser JDAM GBU-54
- 60 FMU-152 fuse systems
- 30 MAU-210 enhanced computer control groups for GBU-50 enhanced paveway II
- 32 MXU-651 air foil groups for GBU-50 enhanced paveway II
The non-munitions package includes advanced identification systems, cryptographic devices, countermeasure systems, night vision devices, navigation systems, simulators, and various other components. Training, maintenance, and logistical support are also included.
Awaiting Official Notification
Department of National Defense spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong stated that the agency has yet to receive an official notice regarding the transaction.
Once finalized, the deal will contribute to the modernization of the Philippine Air Force, ensuring that it remains prepared to address security challenges and maintain national defense.
