F-16 Fighting Falcon News

April 3, 2025 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The United States has officially approved the sale of 20 F-16 Fighting Falcons to the Philippines as part of a $5.6 billion weapons package. This milestone decision is a major step in strengthening the Southeast Asian nation’s air force and reinforcing its defense capabilities amid rising regional tensions.
After years of deliberation and negotiations, the Philippines has fianlly secured approval to acquire F-16 fighter jets from the United States. The package includes 16 single-seat F-16C Block 70/72 aircraft and 4 twin-seat F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft, which will be fully equipped with 88 LAU-129 guided missile launchers, 22 M61A1 anti-craft guns with 20 installed upon delivery, 12 AN/AAQ-33 sniper advanced targeting pods, radio systems, AESA radars, and navigational devices.

The deal, announced by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), falls under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The approval underscores Washington’s commitment to bolstering the Philippines' defense posture and its role as a key regional ally.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has long sought to modernize its aging fleet, which currently relies on older aircraft such as the FA-50 light fighters acquired from South Korea. The acquisition of F-16s will significantly enhance the country’s aerial capabilities, providing a fourth-generation multi-role fighter with advanced avionics, radar systems, and weaponry.

This approval comes at a time when the Philippines faces increasing security challenges in the South China Sea, where tensions with China over territorial disputes continue to escalate. The introduction of F-16s will enable the PAF to conduct more effective air patrols, air defense operations, and joint exercises with allied forces.

In addition to the F-16 aircraft, the U.S. has also authorized the sale of:

• 112 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAMs) or AIM-120C-8 or equivalent missiles;
• 36 guided bomb units;
• 40 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles with 32 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs);
• 60 MK-84 2,000-lb general-purpose bombs;
• and 30 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) KMU-572 tail kits for GBU-38 or Laser JDAM GBU-54.

These armaments will enhance the operational capabilities of the PAF, providing it with the ability to conduct both defensive and offensive missions with greater precision.

While the deal has been approved, the next step involves contract finalization and production timelines. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-16, is expected to begin the delivery process within the next few years, with the first aircraft arriving in the Philippines by the latter half of the decade.

The Philippine Air Force will also undergo extensive training programs to integrate the new fighters into its fleet effectively. Pilots and maintenance crews will receive training in the U.S. to ensure seamless operation and maintenance of the new aircraft.

The PAF has been examining two combat aircraft on offer, the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 and the Saab Gripen-E.

Note that the authorization for the F-16 sale does not automatically mean that an acquisition will go through. The deal will only be finalized after a letter of offer and acceptance is signed by the Philippines. This means that an official confirmation from Manila is still awaited.