To protect against China: US approves sale of F-16 fighter jets to Philippines
The United States has approved the possible sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines for more than $5 billion, which should strengthen Manila's defence capabilities amid growing tensions with China in the South China Sea.
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The US State Department said the deal would contribute to the security of the Philippines, which is a strategic partner of Washington and plays an important role in regional stability. The fighter jets will help the country improve control over its maritime territory and strengthen its air defence.
The Philippines has not officially confirmed the deal, but has long expressed interest in purchasing F-16s. Manila stepped up military cooperation with Washington after President Ferdinand Marcos came to power in 2022. In December, the country announced plans to purchase the US Typhon missile system, which provoked a negative reaction from China, which warned of the risk of an arms race.
F-16. Illustration: Koninklijke Luchtmacht and Flyvevaben
Tensions in the region are rising amid Chinese military activity around Taiwan. Philippine Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Romeo Brawner said the country would "inevitably" be involved in the event of a conflict. He called on the military to prepare for a possible invasion of Taiwan and announced military exercises between the US and the Philippines in northern Luzon, the closest part of the archipelago to Taiwan.
Last week's visit of US Secretary of Defence Pete Hagel to Manila confirmed Washington's intentions to strengthen China's containment in the Indo-Pacific region. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also assured the Philippines of US support.
Source: TDP
