MANILA- The US State Department approved a potential $5.6 billion sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines in April 2025. The package included missiles, bombs, and other ammunition alongside the fourth-generation fighters.
Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro cast doubt on the fighter jet purchase during the Shangri-La Dialogue defence summit in Singapore. Teodoro stated that the Philippines had not received a formal offer to purchase the aircraft and remained uncertain about proceeding with the acquisition.
Photo: By Steve Lynes from Sandshurst, United Kingdom – EGUL – General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon – United States Air Force | Wikimedia CommonsF-16 Purchase from the US
The proposed sale would consume nearly the entire Philippine defence budget, as Manila spends approximately $6 billion annually on military expenditures, representing 1.3% of its GDP, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Teodoro dismissed the potential sale as “media hype” without explaining the State Department’s initial approval. He emphasised that Philippine officials had not decided when to acquire multi-role fighters or which specific model to purchase.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the Philippines in March as part of broader alliance upgrade efforts designed to compete with China’s growing influence. The two defence officials met again during the Singapore conference, where Hegseth warned that Beijing’s military threat “could be imminent” and urged allies to increase defence spending.
Some Philippine officials viewed the fighter jet sale as demonstrating long-term US commitment and trust in their military’s capability to operate advanced equipment. However, other officials questioned the country’s ability to afford such a substantial purchase without American financial assistance.
Photo: WikiImages – pixabay.comSecurity Aid
The United States provided $500 million in long-term security aid to the Philippines last year. Congress would need to approve additional funding to continue such support levels in future years.
The Biden administration and the Philippines established a “roadmap” for weapons purchases during military modernisation efforts.
This plan primarily focuses on equipment for surveying and protecting the Philippines’ extensive coastlines rather than high-end fighter aircraft.
South China Sea; Photo- Dryad GlobalRegional Tensions
Teodoro engaged in heated exchanges with Chinese delegates at the Singapore conference, who questioned the Philippines’ alliance with the United States. The confrontation highlighted ongoing regional tensions in the South China Sea.
Chinese coast guard vessels regularly harass Philippine ships in disputed waters that Beijing claims, despite a 2016 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea ruling contradicting China’s territorial assertions.
Teodoro directly addressed China’s behaviour during his conference remarks, stating that “China has a lot of trust building to do to be an effective negotiating partner.” He emphasised the need for frank discussions about regional security challenges, declaring, “We have to call a spade a spade.”
The defence secretary’s comments reflect broader Philippine concerns about Chinese maritime aggression while simultaneously questioning major US arms sales that could strain the country’s limited defence resources.
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The post Philippines Defense Chief Questions $5.6 Billion F-16 Purchase from the US appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
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