The Philippines intends to secure a long-term loan from Washington to purchase 20 new F-16 fighter jets and other defense equipment from the U.S. government, Manila’s top envoy to the United States said.
“We are looking at possible U.S. loan. Long-term,” Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said, adding the Department of National Defense (DND) will soon discuss the terms with its American counterparts.
He said the Philippines intends to purchase brand-new F-16s to be delivered “in tranches” like the 10 Blackhawk helicopters acquired by Manila in 2024.
The multi-role Black Hawks will be used for aid and rescue, and are part of a 32-unit Lockheed Martin contract.
The U.S. firm will also produce F-16s, whose sale to the Philippines was recently approved, Romualdez stated. “The State Department’s F-16 approval signifies strong U.S. alliance commitment and deterrence,” Romualdez noted.
This is the first official Philippine confirmation of F-16 sale specifics. Manila is considering jets from the U.S., Sweden, and France to boost its defense.
The U.S. State Department’s F-16 approval followed Secretary Hegseth’s Manila visit. Hegseth affirmed the Trump administration’s support for Philippine military modernization, aiming to counter China’s South China Sea aggression.
He also stressed the “iron-clad” 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty commitment. U.S. support is key for Manila’s military upgrade—a regional weakness—to enhance maritime power against increasing Chinese assertiveness. Chinese forces persistently threaten Philippine assets in the WPS, its exclusive economic zone.
The Philippines is also said to be exploring the purchase of advanced fighter jets from several countries, including the U.S., Sweden, and France, to enhance its defense capabilities.
