Following last Friday's visit of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the country, the State Department approved "a possible Foreign Military Sale" of $5.58 billion worth of F-16 supersonic multi-role fighter jets to the Philippines.

The $5.58 billion includes the sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets by Lockheed Martin and its related weapons and equipment.

When asked about the acquisition, Assistant Defense Secretary and spokesperson Arsenio Andolong, said that as of Wednesday his office "have not received any official notice of such a decision".

Col. Francel Padilla, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson. said the military "issues statements only on capabilities that have been officially turned over to the AFP for operational use" as "matters concerning ongoing acquisitions remain under the purview of the Department of National Defense".

"Nonetheless, we remain steadfast in our mission to defend the nation while anticipating future enhancements that will strengthen our ability to safeguard our territory," she said.

Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, Philippine Air Force spokesperson, said PAF is looking forward "to future developments that will further enhance our capabilities to protect our nation and our skies."

According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (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."

It also noted that the "the proposed sale will enhance the Philippine Air Force’s ability to conduct maritime domain awareness and close air support missions and enhance its suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) and aerial interdiction capabilities."

The DSCA states that the "sale will also increase the ability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to protect vital interests and territory, as well as expand interoperability with the US forces."

"The Philippines will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region," it added. Robina Asido/DMS