Washington [US], April 2: The United States is moving ahead with the sale of F-16 fighter jets and related equipment, in the latest move to boost the Philippines' military capabilities.
The US State Department has just approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines with a total value of 5.58 billion USD, AFP reported on April 2.
Accordingly, the US will sell 20 F-16s and related equipment to the Philippines, helping "improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in Southeast Asia".
The sale will boost the Philippine Air Force's "ability to conduct maritime domain awareness" and "enhance its ability to suppress enemy air defenses," the US State Department said in a statement.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has sought to shift US military efforts to Asia, while reducing engagement in Europe, despite continued fighting in Ukraine.
During a visit to Manila on March 27, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed Washington's "rock-solid" commitment to the defense treaty between the two countries. He pledged to help the country strengthen its deterrence capabilities in the complex situation in the region.
"There are many nations that have sought to test America's resolve. We are determined right now, at this moment, to work with our partners, to rebuild our warrior spirit, to rebuild our military, and to rebuild our deterrence, and to stand with our allies and partners, first and foremost in this region," he said.
Mr. Hegseth said the US will release $500 million from the foreign aid freeze to help the Philippines upgrade its military capabilities.
On March 28, the US, Japan and the Philippines held naval exercises in the South China Sea . According to AP, the exercise aimed to enhance crisis response capabilities and took place near Scarborough Shoal.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper