The United States has approved the possible sale of F-16 aircraft to the Philippines. Lockheed Martin will be the principal contractor under the potential Foreign Military Sales deal worth up to $5.6 billion.
The potential FMS transaction covers the purchase of 16 F-16C Block 70/72 aircraft and four F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft and the delivery of several F-16 components, including 24 F110-GE-129D or F100-PW-229 engines, 22 AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array scalable agile beam radars and 88 LAU-129 guided missile launchers.
Manila’s proposed acquisition also bundles several non-major defense equipment items, including AN/ALQ-254 Viper Shield electronic warfare or equivalent systems, Air Combat Maneuvering Instrument range systems, and KY-58 and KIV-78 cryptographic devices.
Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Fighting Falcon provides air forces worldwide with next-generation fighting capabilities. It features Northrop Grumman’s advanced APG-83 AESA radar to offer enhanced situational awareness and a new, high-resolution Center Pedestal Display for improved battle awareness.
Defense Capability Modernization
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said in December that his administration remains committed to building a world-class force. “We’ll modernize your equipment, enhance your training programs, ensure that you’re equipped to face challenges not just of today but also of the future,” he told a graduating class of future military officers.
Months later, the Philippine government disclosed a significant increase in its defense budget to better protect its national territories. The 2025 spending will see a 12.3 percent increase to $4.65 billion, allowing the Southeast Asian nation to build up its aircraft and naval fleets and cybersecurity capabilities.