February 13, 2026 at 12:54 PM
Philippines still eying F-16s, but costs are causing political headaches
A deal for new fighter jets is in limbo while officials in Manila seek ways to break the fiscal deadlock that has hounded the program.
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off for exercise Steadfast Noon in Northern Italy, Oct. 17, 2023.
(Airman 1st Class Zachary Jakel)MANILA, Philippines — Negotiations between Lockheed Martin and the Philippine government over the potential purchase of F-16s continue, but the deal remains in limbo while officials here seek ways to break the fiscal deadlock that has hounded the fighter jet acquisition program.Earlier this week, the Philippine ambassador to the U.S., Jose Manuel Romualdez, said the Philippines is “not closing its doors” to the possibility of acquiring the American jets, but it would take “imaginative and creative ways” to fund the program.Late last year, Romualdez said acquisitions are “on hold” due to funding, which is being allocated to other projects.Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo in November that he had returned Lockheed’s proposal, which carries a $5.58 billion price tag for 20 F-16 Block 70/72 with AN/APG-83 AESA radars and the establishment of a research and training center in the Philippines.“It was beyond the approved budget ceiling, so they have to resubmit [some documents]. Anything is under consideration. What is not in consideration right now—which should be considered—is the funding,” Teodoro said.The Philippines has an ongoing bid to refresh its fleet after retiring 10 Northrop F-5 A/B Freedom Fighters in 2005.To fill operational gaps, the government acquired 12 FA-50 combat jets in 2015 and last year signed the deal for another fleet.