US combat fighter jet procurement for self defense - NSC

Metro Manila, Philippines – The National Security Council (NSC) said the planned acquisition of multirole combat fighter jets from the United States is for self-defense under the modernization program and not directed at any specific country.

NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya addressed concerns raised by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which warned that defense cooperation should not threaten regional peace and security.

"We would like to assure the People's Republic of China that the planned procurement of F-16 fighter jets does not in any way harm the interest of any third party. It is not intended for any nation," Malaya said in a press briefing on Thursday.

The US State Department approved the possible sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines for an estimated cost of $5.58 billion (roughly P318 billion). According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the proposed deal includes 16 F-16 C Block aircraft, four F-16 D Block aircraft, along with associated equipment such as aircraft engines, radars, missile launchers, and anti-aircraft guns.

The DSCA noted that the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region and would enhance the security of a strategic partner in Southeast Asia.

Malaya said the announcement aligns with commitments reaffirmed during US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s recent visit to Manila, where he and Philippine counterpart, Gilbert Teodoro, discussed strengthening military interoperability.

"Secretary Hegseth said in a joint statement with Secretary Teodoro that the U.S. will deploy additional advanced military capabilities to the Philippines for joint training, enhanced interoperability, and defense industrial cooperation," Malaya said.

The proposed sale also follows Washington’s recent move to exempt $336 million (₱19.4 billion) in security assistance to the Philippines from a 90-day aid freeze imposed by US President Donald Trump.

As part of the defense cooperation, both countries have agreed to hold bilateral military exercises in Batanes and deploy additional advanced military assets, including the NMESIS land-based anti-ship missile system.

While the sale is expected to significantly boost the country’s air defense capabilities, Malaya noted that the Department of National Defense has yet to receive an official communication regarding the procurement process.

The Philippine Air Force has in its fleet 12 FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea.

Malaya said current initiatives focus on modernizing the military and strengthening self-defense rather than escalating tensions in the region.