The U.S. State Department has approved the proposed sale of 20 F-16 Block 70 aircraft to the Philippines. The F-16 Block 70 is an advanced platform for air-to-air defense and air-to-ground support, featuring technology including the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS).
The F-16 operates in 28 countries with over 3,100 aircraft in service. It recently participated in the Cope Thunder exercise at Clark Air Base, Pampanga with the Philippine Air Force.
Aimee Burnett, Vice President of F-16 Business Development at Lockheed Martin, said: “Lockheed Martin is proud to support the Philippines’ efforts to modernize its air power capabilities with the F-16 Block 70. The F-16 Block 70 will deliver advanced capabilities and performance to address the Philippines’ defense requirements and serve as a strategic asset to support the country’s Self-Reliant Defense Posture.”
The F-16 shares support equipment commonality with the Philippine Air Force’s FA-50 fleet. The Philippine Air Force will maintain the aircraft domestically.
Lockheed Martin currently supports the Philippines’ Black Hawk and C-130 programs. The company mentioned potential workforce development programs and in-country maintenance capabilities, with research and development concepts under discussion with Philippine partners.