Possible sale of F-16 fighter aircraft to the Philippines
On 1 April 2025, the US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of the Philippines for F-16 Fighting Falcons.
The Philippine government has requested to purchase sixteen F-16C Block 70/72 and four F-16D Block 70/72 fighter aircraft. The contract, which includes spare engines, weaponry, training, and support, is valued at USD 5.6 billion.
On 19 April 2023, Scramble Magazine reported on the increasing US military aid to the Philippines. The US gained access to four additional military bases in the Philippines under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) following extensive negotiations with the Philippine government. This expanded cooperation was expected to lead to increased military assistance, strengthening the capabilities of the Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas (PAF, Philippine Air Force).
This is not the first time the F-16 has been offered to the Philippine Air Force. In 2021, the US Congress approved the transfer of a squadron of 12 F-16s to the Philippines under the FMS programme for USD 2,4 billion. However, the sale did not go through as the Philippines had allocated a smaller budget for the acquisition.
Whether the current proposal will pass the budget approval process remains to be seen. Different times, different budgets.
Credit image: Lockheed Martin