The Philippine Air Force’s Interest in the F-16 Viper

For decades, the Philippine Air Force has defended its skies with legacy aircraft—outdated platforms in a region rapidly modernizing its aerial arsenals.
But now, a game-changer is on the horizon.
The F-16 Viper—America’s legendary multirole fighter jet—is being offered to the Philippines.
Is this the long-awaited leap that will transform Philippine air power? Or a geopolitical trap with a billion-dollar price tag?
Let’s break it down.

Why the F-16 Viper Matters

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is stepping up its efforts to modernize and strengthen its air defenses. Right now, the PAF has 11 FA-50PH light fighter jets, which were bought for about PHP 18.9 billion (around USD 323 million). These jets have been useful for training and close air support missions, but they have limited range and firepower. That’s why the Philippines is now planning to buy 12 more FA-50s at an estimated cost of PHP 40 billion (about USD 683.7 million), while also looking at more powerful aircraft for the long run.
This push for stronger air capabilities is part of the Department of National Defense’s “Horizon 3” modernization plan, approved in 2024. Under this plan, the Philippines aims to acquire at least 40 advanced multirole fighter jets, with a projected total budget of USD 33.6 billion. A big step in this direction came in April 2025, when the U.S. State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale of 20 F-16 Block 70/72 jets to the Philippines. This deal includes 16 single-seat F-16Cs and 4 twin-seat F-16Ds, along with radar systems, engines, missiles, and full logistics support. The estimated cost? USD 5.58 billion.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has made it clear that the country needs true multirole fighters to improve its air defense and complement the lighter FA-50s. He emphasized that while the FA-50 is good for light combat, the Philippines must focus on long-range, high-performance jets to respond to growing regional threats. Though a final offer from the U.S. is still pending, the defense department is prioritizing this upgrade as part of its broader plan to strengthen national security.
The U.S. is also showing strong support for the deal. Aimee Burnett, Vice President of F-16 Business Development at Lockheed Martin, said the company is proud to help the Philippines modernize its air force. She highlighted the advanced features of the F-16 Block 70 and its ability to work well with the existing FA-50 fleet. Burnett also mentioned Lockheed’s willingness to set up maintenance facilities in the Philippines and offer programs to train and employ local workers.
Other countries in Southeast Asia are also modernizing their air forces, creating a competitive environment. Singapore operates 62 F-16C/D Block 52 jets, which are currently being upgraded, and is also buying 20 F-35 stealth fighters to replace them by the mid-2030s. Taiwan, a major F-16 user, received its first batch of 66 new F-16V (Block 70) jets in March 2025 as part of an $8 billion deal signed in 2019. It’s also upgrading older jets to match the new standard.
Thailand is flying both F-16s and Swedish Gripen fighters, and it plans to buy newer Gripen-E models through a deal with Sweden. Vietnam, which has traditionally relied on Russian jets, is now reportedly considering buying 24 F-16s—showing a major shift in its defense strategy.
In this fast-changing region, the Philippines’ move to buy F-16s is more than just a military upgrade. It signals a shift in how the country views its role in regional security. With more advanced fighter jets, the Philippine Air Force could better protect the country’s territory and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), while also sending a clear message that it’s serious about defending its national interests in an increasingly contested region.

 The F-16 Viper: Why the Philippines Needs It:

The F-16 Block 70/72 Viper represents a transformative leap for the Philippine Air Force (PAF), offering a critical upgrade in range, firepower, and sensor capability that goes far beyond the foundational strength of the FA-50PH. While the FA-50 provides a solid platform for basic air defense and pilot training, the F-16 is a true multi-role fighter built for modern, contested environments. Its longer tactical radius of 580 kilometers—extendable to nearly 4,000 kilometers with drop tanks—and the inclusion of Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFTs) make it especially suited for the archipelagic geography of the Philippines, where long-endurance patrols over vast maritime zones like the West Philippine Sea are essential. In contrast, the FA-50’s range is more limited, even with future upgrades.
The F-16’s payload capacity is another game-changer. With a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 21,000 kilograms, it can carry between 5,300 and 7,700 kilograms of mixed ordnance across 11 hardpoints, far surpassing the FA-50’s payload capacity, even with projected upgrades. This means the F-16 can support an expanded array of missions—from air superiority and strike operations to suppression of enemy air defenses—using a vast selection of U.S. and NATO-compatible weapons, including AIM-120 AMRAAMs, JDAMs, and HARM missiles. It’s not just about raw power, but also flexibility across the entire combat spectrum.
At the heart of the F-16 Block 70/72’s edge is its cutting-edge Northrop Grumman AN/APG-83 AESA radar, derived from technologies used in the F-22 and F-35. This radar offers significant improvements in target tracking, electronic resilience, and high-resolution mapping—capabilities that are vital in high-threat environments. The FA-50’s current radar, while adequate, simply doesn’t compete. Even with future upgrades like the PhantomStrike or ESR-500A AESA radar, the system integration and situational awareness provided by the F-16 will remain unmatched. It’s a leap not just in detection power but in survivability and engagement dominance.
Industry voices echo the strategic value of this transition. Aimee Burnett, Vice President at Lockheed Martin for F-16 Business Development, emphasized the F-16’s potential to bolster the Philippines’ self-reliant defense posture. She pointed to the aircraft’s seamless compatibility with the existing FA-50 fleet, as well as the prospects for in-country maintenance and workforce development—signaling a long-term industrial and strategic partnership, not just a hardware acquisition. Within the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization plans—especially under Horizon 2 and the newly approved Horizon 3—this acquisition aligns perfectly with stated goals of securing a more capable and autonomous defense architecture.

Globally, the F-16’s track record speaks for itself. Taiwan relies heavily on upgraded F-16Vs for deterrence and air sovereignty, especially in contested airspace. Turkey has employed F-16s in a range of missions, from precision strikes to counter-air operations in Syria and Iraq. Israel has proven the F-16’s prowess in highly contested skies, using it effectively in SEAD missions and air-to-air combat. The anticipated deployment of F-16s to Ukraine further underscores the aircraft’s reputation as a front-line fighter even in environments saturated with modern air defense systems. The versatility, survivability, and mission flexibility that these nations leverage are the same qualities the Philippines urgently needs to secure its airspace and maritime borders.
The capability gaps in the PAF are real and growing. Current assets like the FA-50 lack long-range interception and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat capability. The F-16 fills this void with its advanced radar and AMRAAM integration, offering credible deterrence and combat superiority. In terms of multi-role effectiveness, the F-16’s loadout versatility allows for deep interdiction, anti-ship strike, and precision ground attack—missions that the FA-50, even upgraded, can only fulfill to a limited extent. Furthermore, the F-16’s advanced cockpit displays, Viper Shield electronic warfare suite, and Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS) elevate not just combat performance but pilot survivability, making it a true 4.5-generation fighter optimized for 21st-century conflict.

 Acquisition Process and Timeline:

The Philippine government has taken a significant step toward modernizing its air defense capabilities by earmarking PHP 61.2 billion, roughly $1.04 billion USD, for the first phase of its Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) acquisition program. This funding is part of the much broader “Horizon 3” modernization plan, which has a total projected budget of $33.6 billion and seeks to overhaul the country’s armed forces over the coming years. Within this context, the F-16 Block 70/72 Viper has emerged as the primary contender, with the U.S. State Department already approving a proposed Foreign Military Sale that includes 20 aircraft—16 single-seat F-16C units and 4 dual-seat F-16D units. This proposed package signals the seriousness of Manila’s intent and Washington’s readiness to support a longstanding regional ally.
Although direct quotes from Philippine budget officials regarding the F-16 acquisition are scarce, the sustained prioritization of the MRF program under Horizon 3 demonstrates the government’s strong commitment. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-16, has echoed this readiness. In an April 2025 statement, Aimee Burnett, Vice President for F-16 Business Development, affirmed that Lockheed Martin is fully prepared to support the Philippines “in a timely manner,” adding that production timelines will largely depend on the final agreement and the specific configuration of aircraft requested. Given that the Block 70/72 line is already in production for several countries, Lockheed Martin can typically begin deliveries within three to five years of a firm contract being signed—though timelines can shift depending on order volume and added customization.
Official documents, including the Philippine government’s Revised AFP Modernization Program, provide important reference points for the MRF funding and acquisition process. These documents, along with recent U.S. Congressional notifications, reveal that the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) formally notified Congress on April 1, 2025, about the potential $5.58 billion F-16 sale to the Philippines. Such notifications are standard under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) framework and mark an essential step in the diplomatic and procurement process. Additionally, news outlets have reported on various negotiation stages between the Philippine Department of National Defense and U.S. counterparts, giving the public a clearer view of where things stand—highlighting approval stages, working group meetings, and discussions over terms and support infrastructure.
The Philippines has precedent in managing large-scale defense procurements. The FA-50PH acquisition from South Korea stands as a successful example, involving 12 light fighter aircraft in a deal worth PHP 18.9 billion. While it lacked the complexity of an F-16 contract, the FA-50 program showed that the Philippine military can coordinate international deals and integrate advanced platforms. Similarly, the acquisition of two guided-missile frigates from South Korea encountered minor setbacks but ultimately proved the country’s ability to see major defense deals through to delivery. These experiences serve as a helpful baseline for managing the even larger and more technically sophisticated F-16 deal.
For a sense of what the Philippines can expect in terms of timelines, other nations’ procurement paths offer useful benchmarks. Taiwan, for instance, began receiving its new F-16V Block 70 aircraft in 2023, with deliveries spread out over several years. Bahrain and Morocco are also in line to receive Block 70 variants, with similar timelines depending on production backlogs and modifications. These examples suggest that, if the Philippines finalizes an agreement by 2025 or 2026, deliveries could reasonably begin between 2028 and 2030. While this may seem distant, such timelines are standard in high-value defense contracts and would allow for the necessary preparation of infrastructure, pilot training, and maintenance capability on the ground.

The Potential Acquisition of Cheap Italian fighter Jets by the Philippines

The F-16s are being pursued through the Foreign Military Sales program, a government-to-government arrangement that ensures standardized procurement and reduces legal or logistical ambiguity. The acquisition process follows a clear sequence: first, the Philippines submits a Letter of Request (LOR) to the U.S. government, detailing its desired capabilities. Upon review and approval, the DSCA notifies the U.S. Congress. If no objections are raised, the U.S. government issues a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA), outlining pricing, quantities, delivery timelines, training packages, and maintenance support. After negotiations, the Philippines formally accepts the LOA, triggering the final contracting phase and subsequent production by Lockheed Martin. Delivery then follows according to the agreed schedule.
If all goes smoothly and the agreement is finalized soon, the first batch of F-16s could be expected to arrive within three to five years. While the exact arrival date is difficult to pinpoint due to the number of moving parts—from production capacity and training schedules to logistical coordination and potential upgrades—the trajectory is clear. The Philippines is no longer just signaling its interest; it’s moving, piece by piece, toward a long-term commitment to air defense modernization. And when these jets do touch down on Philippine soil, they’ll not only represent cutting-edge technology—they’ll symbolize a turning point in the nation’s defense posture and its growing strategic weight in the Indo-Pacific.

Strategic Implications of F-16 Acquisition:

The acquisition of the F-16 Block 70/72 Vipers would mark a significant leap in the Philippines’ air defense capabilities, particularly amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea. With a tactical radius of around 580 kilometers and ferry range exceeding 4,200 kilometers, these jets dramatically extend the Philippine Air Force’s reach beyond what current FA-50PHs offer. This expanded range, especially when paired with Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFTs), enables sustained patrols deep into the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) — a crucial deterrent against foreign incursions. Beyond aircraft, the acquisition will require training for 20–30 pilots and 200–300 maintenance personnel, establishing a deeper pool of skilled manpower. These investments not only upgrade the hardware but also build long-term institutional capacity for air operations.

Philippines’ New Spy Jet Leaves Chinese Y-8 Spy Plane in the Dust

Strategically, the F-16 deal fortifies the U.S.-Philippines alliance. As a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case, it aligns with broader U.S. goals for a “free and open Indo-Pacific” while enhancing interoperability through joint drills, logistics, and compatible weapons systems. According to analysts like Udayini Aakunoor of GlobalData, this move improves Manila’s maritime domain awareness and capacity to push back against “gray zone” tactics. Although it doesn’t close the power gap with China, it signals a credible defense shift — a message both to allies and potential adversaries. Unsurprisingly, China has responded critically. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun warned that such moves “fuel the flames” of confrontation in the region, while Philippine officials, like National Security Council spokesman Jonathan Malaya, stress that the acquisition is purely defensive and not aimed at provoking any nation.
Regionally, the Philippines joins a broader trend of Southeast Asian nations modernizing their air forces in response to rising threats. Vietnam’s earlier acquisition of Su-30MK2s — and its reported interest in F-16s — along with Indonesia’s purchase of Rafale and potential F-15EXs, underscores a collective push toward credible air deterrence. These moves shift the regional security calculus and increase the pressure on neighbors to recalibrate their own defense postures. The continued relevance of the F-16, as seen in Singapore and Taiwan, proves that even in a 5th-gen world, 4.5-generation platforms with modern upgrades still shape deterrence dynamics and air superiority roles.
Nevertheless, challenges remain. The estimated $5.58 billion cost for 20 F-16s raises eyebrows, especially in a country where public resources are stretched thin. Long-term sustainability is another concern — the jets’ advanced systems require regular maintenance, a steady flow of spare parts, and highly trained personnel. Pilot training, logistics infrastructure, and operational doctrine must evolve in tandem. There’s also the geopolitical risk of further antagonizing China, which could respond with escalatory tactics in contested waters. Still, despite these hurdles, the F-16 acquisition represents a bold step forward — one that signals Manila’s intent to secure its skies, defend its sovereignty, and deepen its place within a regional security architecture defined by resilience and partnerships.