Philippines looking to buy U.S. aircraft, military equipment at cost of $5.6B

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The State Department has 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. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today, April 1.

The announcement was made on the heels of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s March 27-28 inaugural visit to Manila where he met with Philippine defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr. In his meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Hegseth reiterated the U.S.’s “ironclad” commitment to the two countries’ security alliance.

The Government of the Philippines has requested to buy sixteen (16) F-16 C Block 70/72 aircraft; among many other military hardware and equipment. Also in the shopping list are

– eighty-eight (88) LAU-129 guided missile launchers

– one hundred twelve (112) Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) Air Intercept Missile (AIM)-120C-8 or equivalent missiles

– sixty (60) MK-82 500-lb general purpose bombs

– and other related elements of logistics and program support

According to the DCSA press release, “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 proposed sale will 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 (SEAD) and aerial interdiction capabilities. 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 U.S. 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 proposed sale of 20 F-16s is “a step in the right direction for both countries,” said military veteran R Sonny Sampayan who was a KC-135 Boomer in the United Air Force. “Interoperability is the key. Filipino pilots will soon learn to fly side by side with the Top Guns of the United States Air Force. Their pilots are the best of the best.

“In my opinion, The Philippines will need 5-6 squadrons (60 to 72) of fighters to defend our territories. More than 25 countries fly the F-16s because of its track record. There are over 2084 operational F-16s today,” said Sampayan.