MANILA — In a major step toward strengthening its air defense capabilities, the Philippines is set to acquire 20 brand-new F-16 fighter jets from the United States in a landmark deal valued at $5 billion.
Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez confirmed the development, stating that the U.S. government has approved the delivery of the advanced aircraft, with the first batch expected to arrive as early as next year. The remaining units will be delivered in phases until the full order is completed.
“These will be brand-new aircraft, not second-hand units,” Romualdez said. “They will belong to the latest block configuration of the F-16, which reflects the most advanced capabilities of the platform.”
The acquisition marks the most significant upgrade to the Philippine Air Force’s fleet in recent history and is seen as a strategic move amid rising security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The F-16s, known for their versatility, agility, and combat-proven systems, are expected to boost the country’s ability to respond to both external and internal threats.
The U.S. and the Philippines, long-standing allies under the Mutual Defense Treaty, have recently ramped up defense cooperation through joint military exercises, defense agreements, and increased military aid. The procurement of the F-16s further cements the defense partnership between the two nations.
The Philippine Department of National Defense has yet to release an official timeline for the full integration of the new fighter jets into the Air Force, but military officials have welcomed the move as a crucial step toward modernizing the country’s aging air assets.
Romualdez emphasized that the acquisition demonstrates the Philippines’ commitment to modernizing its defense forces and ensuring regional stability through credible deterrence.
