US approves $5.58-B fighter-jet sale to Philippines

US approves sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets worth $5.5 billion to PH

/ 07:10 AM April 02, 2025

US approves $5.58-B fighter jet sale to the Philippines

A Philippine Air Force personnel walks past a US Air Force F-16 fighter jet during the US-Philippines joint air force military exercise dubbed ‘Cope Thunder’ at Basa Air Base in Pampanga on April 11, 2024. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)

WASHINGTON, United States — The United States announced on Tuesday it has approved a sale of $5.5 billion in F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, as Washington backs its ally in rising tensions with China.

The State Department reported it was green-lighting the sale that includes 20 F-16 jets and related equipment to the Philippines, a treaty-bound ally of the United States.

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“The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of F-16 aircraft,” the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement on Tuesday.

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US approves sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets worth $5.5 billion to PH | INQToday

DSCA noted it delivered the required certification, notifying US Congress of this possible sale.

The sale will “improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in Southeast Asia,” a State Department statement said.

The sale will boost “the Philippine Air Force’s ability to conduct maritime domain awareness” and “enhance its suppression of enemy air defenses,” it emphasized.

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President Donald Trump’s administration has sought to redirect US military efforts to Asia to face a rising China, especially as tensions rise over Taiwan, and to lessen involvement in Europe despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

READ: AFP chief tells troops: Be ready if Taiwan is invaded

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The Philippines and China have seen months of escalating confrontations in the South China Sea.

Beijing claims almost the entirety of the crucial waterway, despite an international ruling that its assertion has no merit.

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On a recent visit to Manila, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed to “reestablish deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region” in light of “threats from the Communist Chinese.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reiterated US defense commitments to the Philippines, a contrast to the Trump administration’s frequent talk of “freeloading” off the United States by allies in Europe.

TAGS: China, DND, United States

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