The sale of 20 F-16s to the Philippines for 5.58 billion dollars strengthens the country’s air defense and alters the regional strategic balance.
The US State Department has approved the sale of 20 F-16 fighter planes to the Philippines for 5.58 billion dollars. This transaction includes medium-range air-to-air missiles, guided bombs and advanced targeting systems. It is part of the Philippines’ “Re-Horizon 3” military modernization program, with a budget of 1.89 trillion pesos ($33.6 billion), aimed at strengthening the country’s defense capabilities in the face of growing tensions in the South China Sea.
Details of the sale of F-16s to the Philippines
The US State Department recently approved a potential foreign military sale to the Philippines, comprising 20 F-16 Block 70/72 fighter aircraft, for an estimated amount of 5.58 billion dollars. This lot consists of 16 single-seat F-16Cs and 4 two-seat F-16Ds. The aircraft will be equipped with F110-GE-129D or F100-PW-229 engines, depending on the variant chosen. This acquisition also includes related equipment such as LAU-129 missile launchers, M61A1 cannons, AN/AAQ-33 Sniper advanced targeting pods, secure communication systems and active antenna radars (AESA). In addition, the package includes AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missiles, guided bombs, AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles and JDAM guidance kits for MK-84 bombs.
This transaction aims to improve the capacity of the Philippine Air Force to conduct maritime surveillance, close air support and suppression of enemy air defense missions. It is part of the US policy to strengthen the security of its strategic partners in Southeast Asia.
Background to Philippine military modernization
The Philippines has launched a vast military modernization program, known as “Re-Horizon 3”, approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This plan provides for a budget of 1.89 trillion pesos (approximately 33.6 billion dollars) over ten years, intended for the acquisition of advanced military equipment, in particular fighter planes, missile systems and warships. The objective is to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities, particularly in the context of growing tensions in the South China Sea.
The “Re-Horizon 3” program provides for the acquisition of 40 multi-role fighter jets to strengthen the territorial defense of the Philippines. American F-16s are considered potential candidates for this acquisition, alongside other aircraft such as the Saab Gripen.
Regional strategic implications
Approval of this sale comes amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea, where China’s territorial claims conflict with those of the Philippines and other countries in the region. The United States is seeking to strengthen the defense capabilities of its allies to counter China’s growing influence. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently stated that Washington intends to “re-establish deterrence” and strengthen its alliances in the region.
China has expressed its opposition to the sale, claiming that the deployment of medium-range missiles by the Philippines would be a provocative step likely to stir up regional tensions. The spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, stated that this decision would “intensify the geopolitical confrontation and the arms race”.
Economic and budgetary consequences
The high cost of this acquisition raises questions about the budgetary implications for the Philippines. The country is considering long-term financing agreements with the United States to cover the $5.58 billion needed to purchase the F-16s. This is part of a broader strategy to modernize the Philippine armed forces while managing budget constraints.
At the same time, the Philippine Congress has allocated 35 billion pesos (approximately 620 million dollars) to the armed forces modernization program for the year 2025, although this amount is less than the 50 billion pesos initially requested by the Marcos administration.
Outlook and challenges
The acquisition of the F-16s represents a significant step in the modernization of the Philippine air force, which has not operated front-line fighters since the withdrawal of the Northrop F-5s in 2005. However, challenges remain, particularly with regard to pilot training, aircraft maintenance and the integration of new systems into existing structures. In addition, regional geopolitical tensions could complicate the implementation of this acquisition.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.