US Approves Potential $5.58 Billion Fighter Jet Sale to Philippines Amid Rising Tensions With China
The United States government has given the green light to a potential $5.58 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, framing the deal as a means to bolster regional security. This comes as escalating tensions between the Philippines and China over disputed territories in the South China Sea raise concerns.
In a statement, the US State Department classified the Philippines as a key player for political stability in Southeast Asia and announced that the sale could include up to 20 F-16 warplanes along with associated equipment for delivery to Manila. The acquisition aims to enhance the Philippines’ maritime domain awareness and close air support capabilities, while supposedly not significantly impacting the military balance in the region.
Manila’s interest in procuring advanced fighter aircraft tracks back to at least the administration of former Philippines President Benigno Aquino, which concluded in 2016. Under current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., defense ties between the Philippines and the US have strengthened, with Marcos Jr. taking a firmer stance against China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently emphasized that Washington and Manila must stand together in opposition to “threats from the communist Chinese,” underlying the strategic importance of the proposed sale.
Concurrent with this announcement, China has been conducting military exercises around Taiwan, reinforcing its stance on potentially reclaiming the self-governed island. A Philippine military official, General Romeo Brawner, warned of inevitable involvement if China moves to invade Taiwan, preparing troops for such contingencies.
The upcoming military exercises scheduled in northern Luzon, close to Taiwan, further underscore the region’s strategic importance in light of potential threats. This development, along with the Philippines’ push for the acquisition of the US mid-range Typhoon missile system last December, which prompted Beijing to caution against a regional arms race, highlight the increasing military activity and diplomatic tensions in Southeast Asia.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/2/us-approves-sale-of-20-f-16-fighter-jets-worth-5-58bn-to-philippines?traffic_source=rss
