While the acquisition of these F-16s will be pricey, the potential deal is in the best interest of Manila’s national security.

Earlier this year, it appeared assured that Manila would eventually procure the American-made F-16 fighter platform. Based on recent remarks made by the Philippines’ defense secretary, however, this defense deal could be nixed altogether. “As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing on the table for me to consider,” Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said in an interview. The Philippine ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez mirrored this uncertainty, noting that Manila has yet to receive a formal offer to purchase the Fighting Falcons. “The government is still studying how we can afford such a significant acquisition,” Romualdez said in a media briefing. “We support the modernization of the Armed Forces, but there are budget realities and strategic needs we must consider.” The potential $5.6 billion arms deal includes 16 F-16C Block 70/72 fourth-generation jets. Additionally, four two-seat D variants, radar systems, Sidewinder missiles, and other components would make up the defense package. Considering the ramp-up in escalations between Beijing and Washington, the possession of these advanced fighters by a US ally in the region would be beneficial for American interests.

How This Arms Deal Benefits Chinese Deterrence Efforts

The US State Department initially gave the proposed sale of these F-16 fighter jets the green light back in April. Seen as an important milestone in the Philippines’ efforts to enhance its aerial capabilities, this arms deal would be strategic for both nations. The People’s Liberation Army Navy’s hostile activities in the South China Sea pose a threat to both Manila and Washington. In an effort to deter China’s malign behavior in the region, the United States and the Philippines carried out joint patrol and air-interceptor drills earlier this year. During the collaborative exercise, two American B-1 bombers and three Philippine FA-50 fighters took part in the patrol and training operation. This operation clearly got the attention of Beijing, since the People’s Republic of China’s Southern Theatre Command said its Air Force would maintain a “high degree of alert, resolutely defend China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and control any military activities that disrupt the South China Sea,” claiming that Manila’s actions undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea.

An Overview of the F-16 Fighting Falcon

If Manila does procure the F-16 fourth-generation fighters down the line, its aerial prowess would certainly be elevated. The iconic Fighting Falcon is a Cold War-era product designed as a supporting air superiority fighter to the F-15 Eagle. From the platform’s hefty ordnance load, advanced sensors, and superior combat radius, the fourth-generation platform is well deserving of its reputation. The Block 70/72 version of the Fighting Falcon is the most advanced variant in service today. Equipped with cutting-edge features also incorporated into fifth-generation jets, the Block 70/72 jets are arguably on par with both the F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor platforms.

While the acquisition of these F-16s will be pricey, the potential deal is certainly in the best interest of Manila’s national security.

About the Author: Maya Carlin

Maya Carlin, National Security Writer with The National Interest, is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin. Carlin has over 1,000 articles published over the last several years on various defense issues.

Image: Shutterstock.

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