The United States has approved the sale of 20 state-of-the-art F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, valued at $5,58 billion. This decision follows a visit by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to the region, during which he met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., among others. The planned upgrade of the Philippine Air Force is a further sign of deepening security cooperation between Washington and Manila. China, however, views the arms transfer critically and warns of an escalation of tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced that the Philippine government has officially requested 16 F-16C Block 70/72 and four F-16D Block 70/72 fighter jets. In addition to the aircraft, the deal also includes associated engines and technical equipment.
The U.S. State Department emphasized that the sale not only strengthens the Philippines' defense capabilities but also advances the strategic partnership between the two countries. "The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by enhancing the security posture of a strategic partner that continues to be a vital force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in Southeast Asia," the U.S. State Department said in a statement.
The Philippines is considered one of the United States' most important allies in Asia and occupies a key geopolitical position in the Indo-Pacific region. The delivery of modern fighter jets is intended to improve the island nation's defense capabilities, particularly in light of growing tensions in the South China Sea, where conflicts with China over maritime territorial claims repeatedly arise.
Background: Rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea
The territorial dispute between China and the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea (part of the South China Sea) has been a geopolitical flashpoint for years. China asserts comprehensive territorial claims to virtually the entire South China Sea, while the Philippines insists on its sovereignty over exclusive economic territories. The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which the Philippines won and declared China's claims unfounded, has not been recognized by Beijing to this day.
In this context, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met with senior officials of the Philippine government on March 27 and 28, 2025. According to a statement from the US Department of Defense, both sides agreed to "take several decisive actions to establish a robust agenda for the US Department of Defense and the Philippine Department of Defense to restore deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and achieve peace through strength."
China warns of destabilization of the region
While the US and the Philippines view the arms deal as a necessary strengthening of Manila's defense capabilities, China reacted with sharp criticism. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun warned that increased security cooperation between the Philippines and the US should not come "at the expense of a third party."
"The Philippines' security cooperation should neither target nor harm any third party's interests. Nor should it threaten regional peace and security or exacerbate tensions in the region," Guo Jiakun told Philippine media.
China views the growing US military presence in the region as a direct challenge to its geopolitical ambitions. Recently, Beijing repeatedly increased its military presence in the South China Sea and expelled Philippine fishing boats and patrol vessels from disputed waters. The Philippine government has condemned these incidents as aggressive Chinese intimidation.
Strengthening the Philippine Air Force
The Philippine Air Force is currently equipped with outdated aircraft and has limited modern air defense capabilities. The purchase of the F-16 fighter jets represents a significant modernization. Experts say the new jets are a significant improvement over the existing fleet, particularly in the areas of air superiority and ground support.
The F-16 Block 70/72 are among the most modern variants of the proven fighter jets and are equipped with improved radar and weapons systems. Delivery of the jets could take place gradually over the coming years, while Philippine Air Force pilots and ground personnel are trained in the United States in parallel.
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