The United States has given the green light for a potential sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets worth $5.58 billion to the Philippines, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s defense capabilities amid escalating tensions with China in the South China Sea.
The US State Department announced on Tuesday that the proposed deal would enhance the Philippine Air Force’s ability to conduct maritime surveillance, close air support missions, and suppression of enemy defenses. The decision was framed as a step toward bolstering security in Southeast Asia, where the Philippines plays a crucial role in maintaining political stability.
Describing Manila as a “strategic partner,” Washington emphasized that the sale aligns with US foreign policy and security objectives. The US also reassured that the transaction would not disrupt the military balance in the region.
Tensions in the South China Sea
The Philippines’ interest in acquiring F-16 fighter jets dates back to the administration of former President Benigno Aquino, who left office in 2016. Since then, the country’s defense ties with Washington have deepened, particularly under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has taken a firmer stance against China’s sweeping territorial claims in the South China Sea.
For months, confrontations between the Philippine Navy and the Chinese Coast Guard have intensified, with Beijing asserting near-total ownership over the disputed waters a claim that has been ruled illegitimate by international law.
The timing of this arms deal coincides with China’s recent military exercises around Taiwan, which simulated a blockade of the self-governing island. Beijing has repeatedly vowed to reclaim Taiwan, by force if necessary.
The Philippine military chief, General Romeo Brawner, stated that the Philippines would inevitably be affected if China were to invade Taiwan. Addressing troops in northern Luzon, the country’s closest region to Taiwan, Brawner urged them to prepare for possible conflicts.
“These are the areas where we perceive the possibility of an attack. I do not want to sound alarmist, but we have to prepare,” he warned.
Amid the escalating tensions, the US and the Philippines are set to conduct joint military exercises later this month in northern Luzon.
The Philippines further angered China last December when it announced plans to acquire the US-made Typhoon mid-range missile system, a move aimed at boosting maritime defense capabilities.
During his visit to the Philippines last week, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to its ally, stating that both nations must stand “shoulder to shoulder” against threats from China.
As geopolitical frictions in the Indo-Pacific continue to rise, this multi-billion-dollar fighter jet deal signals a stronger defense alliance between the US and the Philippines, potentially reshaping the regional security landscape in the years to come.
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