The Philippines plans to introduce new F-16 fighters, with delivery expected to begin as early as next year.

Philippine Ambassador to the US: F-16s Purchased from the US Can Be Delivered as Early as Next Year

Philippine Ambassador to the US, Romualdez, stated in an interview on Sunday that the Philippine plan to purchase F-16 fighter jets from the US can start batch deliveries as early as next year.

Romualdez was referring to the 20 "brand new" F-16 fighter jets and other defense equipment. The Philippines plans to seek long-term loans from the US to purchase these equipments. Previously, the US has approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets worth $5.58 billion to the Philippines.

Romualdez said in an interview with DZBB radio station on the same day: "Our friends here in the US have already studied that the FA-16 is really suitable for our air force. It can stay in the air for a long time and protect our coasts."

Romualdez stated, "All of these are new. The US has proposed this (FA-16) model to us for a long time. They will be deliverable next year or in subsequent models around 2027."

Romualdez added, "We can have our own F-16, but it depends on the conditions, whether we can afford it, and whether it is approved by the Philippine Congress and the President. But this is part of our Philippine Armed Forces modernization plan proposal."

The Philippine military previously welcomed the potential F-16 deal. Philippine Armed Forces spokesman Padilla recently stated, "Anything that can modernize our assets and elevate us to a higher level, we will gratefully welcome."

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated that F-16 fighter jets will help the Philippine Air Force improve "maritime situational awareness" and "suppress enemy air defenses."

Source: rfi

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1828679205780492/

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