On Tuesday, the United States announced the approval of a potential $5.58 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, signaling continued support for its ally amid rising tensions with China.
The U.S. State Department confirmed the approval of the sale, which includes 20 F-16 fighter jets along with related equipment. The Philippines, a treaty ally of the United States, stands to benefit from enhanced security capabilities.
The State Department emphasized that the sale would “improve the security of a strategic partner,” noting that the Philippines plays a crucial role in maintaining political stability, peace, and economic progress in Southeast Asia. It would also strengthen the Philippine Air Force’s ability to conduct maritime domain awareness and enhance its capacity to suppress enemy air defenses.
This development comes in the wake of escalating tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea, a region claimed nearly in its entirety by Beijing despite an international ruling deeming its claim unfounded.
A State Department spokesperson clarified that the sale would only be finalized after the U.S. receives a signed Letter of Offer and Acceptance from the Philippines. However, Philippine defense department spokesperson Arsenio Andolong stated that he had not received any official notice regarding the decision.
The Philippines has expressed interest in acquiring F-16s for years, dating back to the administration of former President Benigno Aquino, which ended in 2016. Since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office in 2022, Manila and Washington have strengthened their defense cooperation, especially as the Philippines has taken a more assertive stance against China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea.
In December 2024, the Philippines announced plans to acquire the U.S.-made Typhon missile system, a move that angered China and drew warnings about the potential for a regional “arms race.”
U.S. military focus shifts to Asia
The F-16 approval is part of a broader shift in U.S. military priorities under President Donald Trump and his successor, President Joe Biden, who have focused on countering China’s growing influence in Asia. This includes repositioning military assets to the Indo-Pacific, especially as tensions over Taiwan rise, while reducing U.S. involvement in European security amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
On Tuesday, as Chinese warships and planes conducted a simulated blockade around Taiwan, Philippines military chief General Romeo Brawner stated that his country would “inevitably” become involved if Taiwan were attacked.
“Start planning for actions in case there is an invasion of Taiwan,” Brawner told troops stationed on the northern Luzon island, which is closest to Taiwan. “If something happens to Taiwan, inevitably we will be involved.”
Brawner added that much of the ongoing U.S.-Philippine “Balikatan” military exercises would be held in northern Luzon, given its proximity to Taiwan and the region’s perceived vulnerability to attack. “I do not want to sound alarmist, but we have to prepare,” he noted.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, visiting Manila last week, reinforced the U.S. commitment to “reestablish deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region” in response to the “threats from the Communist Chinese.” Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated American defense commitments to the Philippines, marking a stark contrast to the Trump administration’s frequent rhetoric accusing European allies of “freeloading” on U.S. security efforts.
As the situation in the region continues to evolve, the strengthening of U.S.-Philippine defense ties is seen as a key element in countering China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.
AFP
