PH TO BUY FIGHTER JETS FROM US

THE Philippines is set to purchase fighter jets from the United States to boost its defense.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Thursday said the planned procurement of fighter jets from the United States is crucial in strengthening the Philippines’ defense posture.

Earlier, the US Department of State approved the potential foreign military sale of 20 Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines for approximately USD5.58 billion.

According to Bersamin, the plan to purchase the US fighter jets is not intended to harm a third party or a particular country.

The US Defense Cooperation Agency on Wednesday said the Philippine government has requested to procure 16 F-16C Block 70/72 fighter jets and four F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft.

In a Palace press briefing, National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said the planned purchase is part of the US’ “ironclad” commitment to its defense alliance with the Philippines.

“We should note that the F-16 is the most advanced fourth-generation fighter in the world. And if this sale pushes through, it will be a significant upgrade to our current arsenal. We have at present 12 FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea,” Malaya said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said any defense or security cooperation between the Philippines and other nations should not target or harm the interests of a third party.

Malaya assured China that the plan is merely part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization program.

The announcement of planned purchase of fighter jets came amid a new escalation of rhetoric between Manila and Beijing, with the Philippine military chief telling troops north of the country to prepare for scenarios arising if Taiwan is invaded by China, including rescue operations for Filipinos in the self-ruled island.