US approves $5.58-B sale of 20 F-16 fighters to PH

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is a step closer to getting a major item on its current shopping list of military hardware from the United States, whose security commitments to its longtime Asian ally were affirmed by the Trump administration last week.

In a press statement on April 1, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said the US Department of State had “made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the government of the Philippines of F-16 Aircraft for an estimated cost of $5.58 billion” (or P319 billion).

The DSCA, an agency within the US Department of Defense, “delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today,” the statement added.

READ: Hegseth: US deploying more advanced assets to PH for Balikatan

The announcement came amid a new escalation of rhetoric between Manila and Beijing, with the Philippine military chief telling troops north of the country to prepare for scenarios arising if Taiwan is invaded by China, including rescue operations for Filipinos in the self-ruled island.

It also followed the March 28 visit of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Manila, where he spoke of “efforts [to] build on an ongoing $500-million commitment in foreign military financing and other security assistance to support the Philippines’ military modernization.”

READ: Just a ‘prudent measure’: AFP clarifies chief’s Taiwan remark

Other requests

According to the DSCA, the Philippines requested to buy a total of 20 F-16s (16 of the C Block version and four of the D Block), as well as radars, guided missile launchers, attack ammunition, and anti-aircraft guns, among others.

“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 DSCA said.

It would also enhance the Philippine Air Force’s ability “to conduct maritime domain awareness and close air support missions and enhance its suppression of enemy air defenses and aerial interdiction capabilities,” according to the DSCA.

“This sale will also increase the ability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to protect vital interests and territory, as well as expand interoperability with the US forces. The Philippines will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces,” it added.

Sought for comment on Wednesday, Assistant Defense Secretary Arsenio Andolong said his department had yet to be formally notified of the approval.

Meanwhile, the AFP spokesperson, Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, said the military would comment “only on capabilities that have been officially turned over to the AFP for operational use.”

The approval of the “possible sale” came days after Hegseth assured President Marcos and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. that Washington would be “doubling down” on its “ironclad commitment’’ under its 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with Manila.

Ramping up deterrence

Hegseth also said the Trump administration would be working with partners “to reestablish strength and deterrence” to threats around the globe.

He also told President Marcos that deterrence was particularly needed in the Indo-Pacific region, “considering the threats from the communist Chinese.”

The source of funding for the possible procurement of the 20 F-16 jets for the Philippines remains unclear, but under the terms of Washington’s Foreign Military Sale, a country may purchase or receive US-made defense articles and services either with its own funds or funds provided through US government-sponsored assistance programs.

“In certain cases, defense articles may be obtained through grants or leases,” according to the DSCA.

Under the 2025 national budget, the AFP received P35 billion for its revised modernization program. The amount approved by Congress was P15 billion lower than the P50 billion proposed by the President.

2021 approval

In a Viber message to the Inquirer, the Philippine ambassador to Washington, Jose Manuel Romualdez, said the “US may provide financing” for the purchase but that the matter was “still a work in progress.”

“We are still putting together all the financing, but the US is willing to help,” Romualdez said.

In June 2021, under the Biden administration, the US State Department already approved the sale of 12 F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, but it did not push through because “there was no financing,” he said. “This (the latest approval for 20 aircraft) is more significant because it may come with a financing package,” he added.

(2025/04/03-05:30)