At a joint press conference in Manila on March 28, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that the United States and the Philippines would work more closely together in the future to restore military deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region. Just a few days later, Washington approved the possible sale of 20 of Lockheed Martin Block 70/72 F-16 fighter jets to the Southeast Asian country and also delivered the first new F-16s to Taiwan.
But first back to March 28: In the presence of his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Hegseth recalled the long-standing partnership between the two countries. “Since the Second World War the United States has fought shoulder to shoulder with the Philippines. Our partnership not only continues – we are intensifying it. Our ironclad alliance has never been stronger,” he emphasized.
In view of the growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific, Hegseth emphasized the strategic importance of the alliance. It sends a clear signal of determination and commitment to peace and stability in the region. At the same time, he urged readiness: “If you want peace, you have to prepare for war. The USA and the Philippines stand side by side in this spirit.”
Decision on F-16 for the Philippines still open
Just a few days after the announcement of increased security cooperation between the USA and the Philippines, this was underpinned by the aforementioned approval of a possible sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
However, a final procurement decision has not yet been made. The Philippine military is still faced with the decision between the American F-16 Block 70/72 and the Swedish Saab Gripen – either the proven C/D version or the more modern E/F variant. Due to years of delays, limited budgetary resources and interim considerations to acquire used jets, the choice remains open.
The Philippine AF’s currently “strongest” jets are twelve Korean FA-50PH light fighter jets that were ordered in 2014 for around 300 million euros. One of them crashed last month. In light of further emerging tensions in the “West Philippines Sea” (as Manila calls the South China Sea), the plan is to purchase buy another twelve of the type. However, these are now likely to cost more than 650 million euros.
However, an important step towards Sweden was already taken in June 2024, when the Philippines and Sweden signed an implementation agreement on the procurement of defense material and equipment. The aim of the agreement is, among other things, to support the acquisition of at least one squadron of JAS-39 Gripen for the Philippine Air Force. Also under discussion are early warning systems such as the Saab 340 AEW – or, if financially feasible, the significantly more powerful Global Eye platform.
US offer in detail: F-16 package for up to 5.2 billion euros
The US package approved by the DSCA as part of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program comprises a total of 20 F-16 fighter aircraft – specifically 16 F-16C single-seaters and four F-16D twin-seaters. Two variants are on offer: either as a Block 70 with engines from General Electric or as a Block 72 with engines from Pratt & Whitney.
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The range of weapons on offer includes
- 112 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guided missiles for use beyond visual range (BVR),
- 40 AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles for close range (WVR),
- 60 glide bombs with steering sets – 30 each in 250 kilogram and 1,000 kilogram caliber,
- 36 Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) for precise attacks,
- Target lighting containers and
- extensive training, maintenance and ground equipment.
The officially communicated maximum volume of the offer is just under 5.2 billion euros. However, this is the upper limit of the possible procurement – experience has shown that many items are reduced during the course of negotiations, meaning that the actual contract value is often half or less in the end.
F-16 also for Taiwan – Beijing reacts sharply
Just a few days after the approval of possible F-16 deliveries to the Philippines, the first of a total of 66 F-16 Block 70s for the Taiwanese Air Force (RoCAF) was officially unveiled in Greenville, South Carolina. All aircraft are to be delivered by the end of 2026. Together with the 140 or so F-16A/Bs already in service from the 1990s (-> 50 years of F-16s and no end in sight), Taiwan would then have one of the world’s largest F-16 fleets – with more than 200 aircraft of this type.
As expected, China reacted to both procurement projects – both in Manila and in Taipei – with clear criticism. Beijing spoke of a “threat to regional stability” and an “undermining of peaceful relations”.
This rhetoric stands in sharp contrast to the continued military activities of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) around Taiwan, in particular the frequent airspace violations. Not only Taipei, but also US representatives such as Minister Pete Hegseth and numerous senators regularly condemn these Chinese provocations as “destabilizing” – in words similar to those China is now using against Washington.
New systems against Chinese naval power
Beijing’s displeasure is also likely to relate to another US project that was announced by the US and Philippine defense ministers last year and has since been implemented: the deployment of the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS). This unmanned ground vehicle is equipped with anti-ship missiles and can engage targets up to 100 nautical miles away. The first system was deployed by the US Navy in December as part of the “Balikatan” maneuver (-> current news about the US armed forces) in the Philippines in December.
The Philippine army itself is also rearming. For example Indian Brahmos missiles with Mach 3 speed were procured – also for maritime use against surface targets. There are plans to deploy a total of nine batteries of this system.
China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, which it claims almost entirely as its own territory, extend almost to the shores of the Philippine archipelago. The presence of Chinese “Maritime Militia” vessels in these waters is not only frequent, but also aggressive – and causes ongoing tensions in the region.
