U.S. Approves $5.58B F-16 Jets Sale with Missiles & Bombs to Philippines

The State Department has approved a possible $5.58 billion Foreign Military Sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, with the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notifying Congress of the decision.

The Philippine government has requested the purchase of 16 F-16C Block 70/72 aircraft and four F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft, along with engines, radars, avionics, and munitions. The package includes 112 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, 40 AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles, 36 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs, and a variety of guided and unguided bombs. Other equipment includes electronic warfare systems, targeting pods, night vision devices, and communication systems. Lockheed Martin will serve as the principal contractor.

The sale aims to strengthen the Philippines’ air defense, maritime security, and close air support capabilities. It will also enhance interoperability with U.S. forces and improve the country’s ability to conduct suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) and aerial interdiction missions.

The contract approval comes amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea. The Philippines recently conducted a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre at Ren’ai Jiao, which China claimed to have allowed while its coast guard monitored the operation. Chinese media accused the Philippine Navy of environmental violations, a claim dismissed by Philippine officials.

Additionally, Chinese social media narratives have asserted historical claims over the Philippine province of Palawan, leading to a response from the Philippines’ national security adviser rejecting the claims. Aerial encounters and maritime confrontations, including water cannon attacks on Philippine vessels, have further strained relations.

China operates a range of fighter aircraft, including the Chengdu J-10, a single-engine multirole jet comparable in role to the F-16, and larger twin-engine fighters such as the Shenyang J-11 and J-16, which have greater range and payload capacity. The J-20, China’s stealth fighter, is designed for air superiority but is not directly comparable to the F-16. While the F-16 has extensive combat experience, China continues to modernize its air force with upgraded avionics and weaponry.