Lockheed Martin has affirmed its support for the Philippines’ air power modernization efforts through its proposed acquisition of F-16 Block 70 fighter jets.
“The F-16 Block 70 will deliver advanced capabilities and performance to address the Philippines’ defense requirements and serve as a strategic asset to support the country’s Self-Reliant Defense Posture,” Aimee Burnett, vice president of F-16 Business Development at Lockheed Martin, said in a statement.
Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department approved a potential $5.6 billion foreign military sale to the Philippines for 20 F-16 fighter jets—16 F-16C and four F-16D models—along with 24 engines, 22 advanced radars and electronic warfare systems such as the Viper Shield suite. Lockheed Martin will serve as the principal contractor for the deal.
Burnett noted that Lockheed Martin’s role in the Philippines goes beyond aircraft delivery. “As an industry partner on both the Black Hawk and C-130 platforms, Lockheed Martin is uniquely positioned to address the Philippines’ sustainment needs and enhance industrial cooperation opportunities,” she said. According to the executive, the F-16 acquisition includes opportunities for local maintenance, workforce development and joint research and development initiatives involving the government, industry and academia.
The aircraft’s potential was recently showcased at the Cope Thunder exercise at Clark Air Base in Pampanga. The F-16 demonstrated its capabilities in complex operational scenarios alongside members of the Philippine Air Force.
The F-16 Block 70 is a fourth-generation fighter in Lockheed Martin’s portfolio. It features Northrop Grumman’s APG-83 active electronically scanned array radar, advanced avionics, a modernized cockpit, an improved engine, a 12,000-hour structural service life and the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System. Lockheed Martin currently has a backlog of 117 F-16 Block 70/72 jets, with recent deliveries to Bulgaria and Bahrain.