U.S. Approves $5.58 Billion F-16 Jet Sale to Philippines

|By Adejumo Adekunle-

The United States has approved a $5.58 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, reinforcing its ally amid escalating tensions with China.

The U.S. State Department announced on Tuesday that the deal includes 20 F-16 jets and related equipment, a move aimed at strengthening the security of the Philippines, a treaty-bound ally of Washington.

“The sale will enhance the Philippine Air Force’s ability to conduct maritime domain awareness and improve its suppression of enemy air defenses,” the department stated. It described the Philippines as a key partner contributing to political stability, peace, and economic progress in Southeast Asia.

Strategic Shift to Asia

The U.S. has been shifting its military focus to Asia under successive administrations, countering China’s assertiveness in the region. The move aligns with efforts to bolster allies in the Indo-Pacific, especially amid tensions over Taiwan and Beijing’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.

For months, the Philippines and China have faced off in the disputed waterway, with Beijing maintaining sweeping territorial claims—despite an international ruling rejecting its stance.

During a recent visit to Manila, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, citing threats from the Chinese Communist Party. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also assured the Philippines of continued U.S. defense support, signaling a stronger security partnership.