US Approves $5.58B F-16 Sale to Philippines Amid China's Criticism

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $5.58 billion foreign military sale to the Philippines, featuring F-16 fighter jets and related equipment. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced the proposed sale includes 20 F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft (16 F-16C and 4 F-16D variants), targeting pods, radar systems, support gear, and munitions. The DSCA stated the sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security by enhancing the security of a strategic partner and promoting stability in Southeast Asia. The package contains 112 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, 40 AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles, 60 500-pound bombs, 60 2,000-pound bombs, electronic warfare systems, and training gear. This deal aims to bolster the Philippine Air Force's capabilities in maritime domain awareness, close air support, aerial interdiction, and enemy air defense suppression. Lockheed Martin is the lead contractor. The DSCA confirmed the sale won't require U.S. personnel stationed in the Philippines and won't affect the regional military balance or U.S. defense readiness. China has criticized the sale, asserting that military cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines should not target other nations or destabilize the region. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman questioned who is provoking military confrontation and turning Asia into a powder keg. The Philippines, a long-standing U.S. military ally in the Asia-Pacific, hosts U.S. troops and missile launchers and is engaged in a maritime dispute with China.