US approves possible sale of fighter jets and missiles to Philippines, says Pentagon
- The three separate deals to sell F-16s, Sidewinder and Harpoon missiles have a combined value of more than US$2.5 billion
- Despite the State Department approval, the notification does not indicate that a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded
The US State Department has approved the potential sale of F-16 fighter jets, as well as Sidewinder and Harpoon missiles, to the Philippines in three separate deals with a combined value of more than US$2.5 billion, the Pentagon said on Thursday.
The Philippines is looking for a new multi-role fighter jet and is evaluating the F-16 and the SAAB Abs Gripen.
The US announcement comes as the United States seeks to renew an agreement with Manila governing the US troop presence in the country, which is critical to Washington’s strategy to counter ever-expanding Chinese activity in the region.
Last week, the Philippines again suspended a move to scrap the two-decade-old Visiting Forces Agreement that had been due to expire in August.
The government of the Philippines has requested to buy 10 F-16C Block 70/72 aircraft and two F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft made by Lockheed Martin Co. That arms package, which includes spares and training, is valued at up to US$2.43 billion, the Pentagon said.
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Despite the State Department approval, the notification does not indicate that a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded. Often during a competition, the State Department will approve the export of weapons before a winner has been named.