By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Thursday, April 3, said the planned procurement of fighter jets from the United States is crucial in strengthening the Philippines’ defense posture.
This, after the US Department of State approved the potential foreign military sale of 20 Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines for approximately USD5.58 billion.
Bersamin said the plan to purchase the US fighter jets is not intended to harm a third party or a particular country.
“The details will be worked out still. But that is not for any specific target or state. That is for our [defense] posture,” Bersamin told reporters on the sidelines of an event at Malacañan Palace.
The Philippine government has requested to procure 16 F-16C Block 70/72 fighter jets and four F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft, according to a statement from the US Defense Cooperation Agency on Wednesday (Manila time).
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said any defense or security cooperation between the Philippines and other nations should not target or harm the interests of a third party.
In a Palace press briefing, National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said the planned purchase is part of the US’ “ironclad” commitment to its defense alliance with the Philippines.
“We should note that the F-16 is the most advanced fourth-generation fighter in the world. And if this sale pushes through, it will be a significant upgrade to our current arsenal. We have at present 12 FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea,” Malaya said.
Malaya assured China that the plan is merely part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program.
“We would like to assure the People’s Republic of China that the planned procurement of the F-16 fighter jets to the Philippine arsenal does not in any way harm the interest of any third party. It is not intended for any nation,” he said.
Malaya also clarified that the Department of National Defense has yet to receive an official communication from the US government. (PNA)