Amid burgeoning military cooperation between the Philippines and the United States, there are indications that Manila may finally acquire US-origin F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft over SAAB Gripens.
The Philippines and United States navies conducted a joint maritime exercise in the South China Sea in late July inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The US also pledged $500 million in military aid to bolster Manila’s security forces, including the Coast Guard.
At the back of this security arrangement, an unknown source told Reuters that “there is a possibility that next year there might be an additional budget for the air force,” adding that the Philippines’ Defense Department may be poised to purchase the latest F-16 fighter jets.
The development comes days after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave the green light for the Philippines to acquire new multirole fighter jets, marking a key step forward in the country’s military modernization efforts. AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. made the announcement on July 4 during a briefing with the Defense Press Corps.
