AFP modernization
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) plans to purchase fighter jets from the United States as part of its modernization program.
Various quarters lauded the AFP for its plan to acquire 20 F-16C/D Block/70/72 fighters and munition from the US.
If the plan pushes through, the fighter jets and the munition may start arriving next year at the soonest.
Last week, the US State Department approved the potential sale of the fighter jets to the Philippines.
The US offer to sell the fighters and munition came a few days after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to Manila.
Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said the offer came with a financing package.
Ambassador Romualdez said details of the financing package have yet to be discussed between US and PH government officials..
The 20 F-16 fighter jets and munition are estimated to cost US$5.58-billion or around P320 billion, according to reports.
At present, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) uses 11 South Korean-made combat aircraft after it retired its remaining fighters in 2005 because they were too costly to maintain.
As well-meaning Filipinos, we cannot overemphasize the importance of speeding up the military’s modernization program.
