US approves sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets to PH

The United States has given the go signal for the possible sale of 20 units of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines for $5.58 billion or approximately P319 billion.

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

According to a statement released by the US State Department's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Wednesday, April 2 (Manila time), the Philippine government has requested to buy 16 units of F-16 C Block 70/72 aircraft and four units of F-16 D Block 70/72 aircraft. The principal contractor would be American aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

The package also includes various weapons systems, radars, guided missile launchers, and assorted missiles, anti-aircraft guns, general purpose bombs, attack munition, electronic countermeasure systems, spare parts, engines, and other nonmajor defense equipment (MDE). It will also provide training, simulators, technical support, and other related elements of logistics and program support.

According to the US DSCA, the proposed sale will "support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in Southeast Asia."