U.S. Greenlights $5.58 Billion F-16 Vipers Deal to the Philippines

The United States has granted approval for a potential sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, a deal valued at approximately $5.58 billion. This significant agreement is intended to enhance the capabilities of the Philippine Air Force and strengthen regional security in Southeast Asia.

Under this proposed sale, the Philippines will be offered a fleet of 20 F-16 aircraft, comprising 16 single-seat F-16C Block 70/72 jets and four dual-seat F-16B Block 70/72 models. Alongside the aircraft, the package includes essential equipment such as radar systems, missiles, and advanced avionics to ensure operational efficiency.

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In 2021, reports indicated that the United States had committed to a "hot transfer" of some of its older F-16C/D Block 30 or 40 fighter jets to the Philippines. This arrangement was contingent on the Philippines purchasing 12 new F-16 Block 70/72 Vipers, allowing for an early transition, familiarisation, and a force multiplier effect.

A similar arrangement may be in place for the current deal.

Key differences between the U.S. offers for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) of F-16 Block 70/72 Viper fighters to the Philippines:

• Preliminary Offer (24 June 2021): $2.43 billion for 12 aircraft

• Current Offer (1 April 2025): $5.58 billion for 20 aircraft

Weapon Package Offered in the 2025 F-16 Deal for the Philippines 

The 2025 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) proposal for the Philippines includes a comprehensive weapons package aimed at significantly enhancing the Philippine Air Force’s combat capabilities. The key elements of the weapon package are as follows:

Missiles & Air Combat Systems

• Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) AIM-120C-8 or equivalent: 112 units

• AMRAAM guidance sections: 4 units

• AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles: 40 units

• AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs): 32 units

• AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder guidance units: 4 units

• AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missile (CATM) guidance units: 3 units

Bombs & Precision Strike Munitions

• Guided Bomb Unit (GBU)-39/B Small Diameter Bombs Increment 1 (SDB-1): 36 units

• GBU-39(T-1)/B SDB-1 Guided Test Vehicles: 2 units

• MK-82 500-lb general-purpose bombs: 60 units

• MK-84 2,000-lb general-purpose bombs: 60 units

• Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) KMU-572 tail kits for GBU-38 or Laser JDAM GBU-54: 30 units

• FMU-152 fuse systems: 30 units

• MXU-651 airfoil groups (AFG) for GBU-50 EP II: 30 units

• BSU-50 enhanced computer control groups (ECCG) for GBU-50 Enhanced Paveway II (EP II): 30 units

Weapon Launch & Guidance Systems

• LAU-129 guided missile launchers: 88 units

• AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP): 12 units

• M61A1 20mm anti-aircraft guns: 22 units

This extensive package provides the Philippines with advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, significantly improving its deterrence and combat readiness in the region.

The increase in unit cost may be attributed to differences in the included armaments, equipment, and support packages provided in the latest agreement.

The U.S. Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated that this agreement aligns with broader strategic objectives, reinforcing the Philippines as a key ally in maintaining regional stability. The aircraft will provide improved maritime security, aerial defence, and support for combat operations, boosting the nation's ability to safeguard its airspace and territorial waters.

This development occurs amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea, where Manila has faced increased maritime confrontations. The acquisition of these advanced fighter jets is expected to enhance the country’s defence posture and deterrence capabilities.

Lockheed Martin, a leading defence contractor, has been named as the primary supplier for this potential transaction. Although no formal offset agreements have been disclosed, such arrangements could be negotiated in the future as part of the contract finalisation process.

It is important to note that this approval marks a preliminary step in the arms sales process. The actual contract terms, including final pricing and delivery timelines, remain subject to further negotiations between the United States and the Philippines.

This deal underscores Washington’s commitment to supporting its allies in the Indo-Pacific region, reinforcing defence partnerships and contributing to the modernisation of the Philippine military.