What would amount to a blow for the U.S. F-16 Block 70/72 platform, the Philippines is reportedly considering dropping it from the competition to equip its Air Force with 40 new fighters, arguing that budgetary restrictions limit the country’s ability to carry out the acquisition. The development was raised by the Asian nation’s ambassador in Washington, José Manuel G. Romualdez, who stated that the procurement process is currently suspended for those reasons.
It should be recalled in this regard that the U.S. had already authorized the potential sale of the aircraft last April, in an operation that would exceed US$5 billion if carried out through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. However, as Ambassador Romualdez explained: “At this moment, I think it’s on hold, mainly because funding is the key element of this whole purchase.” He further added that his country’s defense portfolio, led by Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, may be redirecting procurement priorities for the Philippine Armed Forces.
In this respect, it is reasonable to assume that one of the acquisitions influencing this direction was the purchase of a dozen KAI FA-50 light fighters from South Korea, for which Manila paid more than US$703 million. According to local analysts, this is a purchase that better fits the country’s real ability to finance the arrival of combat aircraft, even though it is one of the main components of the modernization undertaken by the Philippine Armed Forces—particularly with the focus placed on the dispute with China over contested waters.
On the other hand, should the country decide to proceed with the competition for a contract for 40 fighters, it is important to highlight that the U.S. F-16 Block 70/72 would still have to beat the bids of the KF-21 and Gripen fighters, from South Korea and Sweden respectively. Specifically, we reported back in October 2024 that the acquisition would require at least a US$1 billion investment to carry out its first stage, which would include around 10 aircraft.
At that time, speculation centered on doubts about the air-to-air combat capabilities of the first platform, as well as on KAI’s ability to deliver in the near future. In those aspects, Saab’s Gripen appeared to have an additional advantage, with its proven air combat capabilities—particularly the ability to integrate long-range Meteor missiles—as well as in terms of affordability and compatibility with the company’s other surveillance and early-warning aircraft (the Erieye and GlobalEye).
*Images used for illustrative purposes
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