US approves sale of 20 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets to the Philippines
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), linked to the Pentagon, has approved the sale of 20 Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 fighter jets to the Philippines.
The package, estimated at US$5.58 billion, includes 16 F-16C Block 70/72 jets and four F-16D Block 70/72 two-seat jets, as well as 24 F110 or F100 engines, 22 AESA radars, guided missile launchers, AIM-120C and AIM-9X missiles and other weapons and avionics.
Final approval for the sale depends on the evaluation of the US Congress, which will have to occur within 30 days.
“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,” the DSCA said.
If confirmed, the deal will join several other contracts signed by Lockheed Martin for the advanced variant of the F-16, which continues to attract customers around the world as a less expensive option for combat aircraft.
The Philippine Air Force is going through a difficult period, with a small fighter fleet consisting of 12 FA-50s supplied by South Korea. Recently, 12 more aircraft were acquired.
The country’s government has previously evaluated the Saab Gripen and the KF-21 from Korean Aerospace Industries.
The addition of F-16s comes at a time of tension in the region, given the threats from China, which has been conducting increasingly expanded military exercises.
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