The Philippine Air Force can again arm itself with modern fighters. Yesterday, June 25, the portal flightglobal.com he reported that the US government has approved the possible sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines.
The US Office of Military Cooperation (DSCA) reported that the package worth $2.43 billion includes 12 Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets. In addition, the package includes a wide range of equipment and services, anti-ship missiles and air-to-air missiles. The key competitor of the American F-16 is the Swedish Saab Gripen C/D fighters.
F-16 Fighter Jet
Image source: f-16.net
The Philippine Air Force lost its last fighter jets in 2004, when the last Northrop F-5s were written off. Currently, the country's combat aviation fleet consists of FA-50 combat training aircraft and Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano light attack aircraft.