The United States has authorized the potential sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, providing the key ally in the Indo-Pacific with a significant upgrade to its air force. This move comes shortly after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pledged to counter “China’s aggression.”
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Tuesday that the proposed sale, estimated at $5.58 billion, includes the fighter jets and related equipment. DSCA stated, “This proposed sale will support U.S. foreign policy and national security by enhancing the security of a strategic partner that plays a vital role in political stability, peace, and economic progress in Southeast Asia.”
This announcement follows Hegseth’s recent visit to the Philippines—his first trip to Asia as defense chief—where he emphasized strengthening military ties to “reestablish deterrence” against Chinese actions in the region.
On Wednesday, China responded to the news, cautioning Manila against the deal. “Any defense and security cooperation with other countries should not target or harm the interests of any third party, nor should it threaten regional peace and security or escalate tensions,” stated Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
The Philippines has found itself on the front lines of China’s aggressive stance, as Beijing seeks to assert claims over much of the South China Sea, despite an international ruling against its sovereignty over the area.
Hegseth announced on Friday that the U.S. would deploy additional military capabilities to the Philippines for joint training, enhance interoperability for “high-end operations,” and prioritize defense industrial cooperation. The deal includes 16 F-16Cs, which are single-seat, single-engine aircraft, and four F-16Ds, dual-seat jets typically used for training.
The F-16s being provided are the block 70/72 variant, hailed by manufacturer Lockheed Martin as the world’s most advanced fourth-generation fighter, boasting a “structural service life” of more than 12,000 hours.
With a top speed exceeding 1,500 miles per hour, the F-16s will offer a major enhancement to the Philippine Air Force, which currently relies on only 12 South Korean-made FA-50 jets for its operations.
During his remarks alongside Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Hegseth called the U.S.-Philippine relationship an “ironclad alliance,” particularly in light of challenges posed by Communist China’s actions in the region.
Trump’s administration has committed to shifting focus to the Indo-Pacific, underscoring the significance of U.S. partnerships for promoting freedom in the 21st century. Additionally, allies view the American military presence in Asia as crucial for countering China’s rapid military expansion and North Korea’s increasing boldness.
Trump has previously expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of U.S. military alliances, questioning whether the U.S. derived sufficient benefits from its partnerships and bases, especially those in Japan and South Korea where thousands of troops are stationed.
Credit: CNN
