In a significant step toward strengthening the air defense capabilities of the Philippines, the US government has approved the potential sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets valued at approximately $5.6 billion. This acquisition will enhance the Philippine Air Force’s ability to safeguard its airspace, improve regional security, and boost interoperability with allied forces in the Indo-Pacific, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s report, “The Global Military Fixed-Wing Aircraft Market 2025-2035,” reveals that the Philippines will be spending about $5.1 billion on procuring various types of aircraft over the next 10 years, of which, 79% will be directed towards the procurement of combat aircraft.
Udayini Aakunoor, Aerospace & Defense Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Amid the growing geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, F-16s are expected to serve as a deterrent against potential security threats while reinforcing the country’s territorial defense. The advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities of the combat-proven F-16 aircraft will allow the Philippine Air Force to conduct more effective patrols, intercept potential threats, and respond to any incursions into its airspace.”
This procurement aligns with the Philippines’ strategic goal of deepening defense ties with the US. The two countries have maintained a long-standing military partnership, reinforced through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and frequent joint military exercises. The F-16’s compatibility with US and NATO-standard weaponry, combined with joint military exercises such as Balikatan, ensures that the Philippines can operate seamlessly alongside allied air forces in the event of a regional security crisis.
Aakunoor concludes: “With the F-16 acquisition, the Philippines is poised to make significant strides in modernizing its air force under the long-term Horizon 3 military modernization program, equipping the aircraft fleet with the necessary capabilities such as advanced avionics and precision-guided munitions to address current and future security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. This development underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening its military readiness and strategic partnerships in an increasingly contested geopolitical landscape in the region.”
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