Lockheed Martin Outlines F-16 Viper Fighters Offer for Philippines with Extended Range and Local Skills Transfer
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According to Inquirer.net, Lockheed Martin has recently intensified its communication surrounding its offer of F-16 Block 70 “Viper” fighter jets for the Philippine Air Force’s Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) program. In a regional context increasingly marked by tensions, particularly over sovereignty issues in the South China Sea, the U.S. defense company has highlighted a combination of strategic, technical, and industrial arguments to win over Manila. However, it also clarified that deliveries would not be expected before the end of the decade due to a heavily booked production line.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
On April 1, 2025, the U.S. State Department officially approved a potential sale of twenty F16 Block 70/72 fighter jets to the Philippines under the Foreign Military Sales(FMS) mechanism, valued at approximately USD 5.58 billion (Picture source: US DoD)
The American proposal aligns with the “Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept” recently reaffirmed by Philippine authorities, which emphasizes the ability to sustain military operations over extended periods in the country’s exclusive economic zone. To meet these needs, Lockheed Martin confirmed that the proposed F-16 Block 70 aircraft will be equipped with Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFT), significantly extending operational range without overreliance on aerial refueling. According to the company, this capability gives the F-16 an advantage over its main competitor in the MRF program, the Swedish JAS-39E/F Gripen, particularly for long-range missions over the South China Sea.
On April 1, 2025, the U.S. State Department officially approved a potential sale of twenty F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets to the Philippines under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism, valued at approximately USD 5.58 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress, triggering a 30-day review period. The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions, notably around the South China Sea and Taiwan, and reflects a deepening U.S.-Philippine defense partnership. During a recent visit to the Philippines, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the United States is committed to “reestablishing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific,” citing China’s growing assertiveness. Philippine Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner also noted that any conflict over Taiwan would inevitably involve the Philippines, reinforcing the urgency of modernizing its military capabilities.
The proposed package includes sixteen single-seat F-16C and four dual-seat F-16D aircraft from the Block 70/72 variant, powered by either General Electric F110-GE-129D or Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines. The sale also covers a range of onboard systems and weapons: AN/APG-83 AESA radars, M61A1 20 mm cannons, GPS/INS navigation with M-Code encryption, MIDS-JTRS tactical radios, Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods, AN/ALQ-254 Viper Shield electronic warfare systems, and a wide range of munitions including 112 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs, 40 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinders, 36 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs, JDAM kits, and Paveway II laser-guided bombs.
The F-16 Block 70/72, also referred to as the F-16V, is the most advanced configuration of the widely used multirole fighter. It features the AN/APG-83 SABR AESA radar, offering multi-target tracking and high-resolution mapping capabilities in dense electromagnetic environments. Its detection performance is comparable to that of fifth-generation fighter radars and integrates seamlessly with onboard and external targeting systems.
The aircraft is also equipped with advanced survivability systems such as the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS), which has already proven effective in preventing incidents in U.S. service. It includes a modern digital cockpit with a high-resolution central display, encrypted digital communication systems, an IRST (Infrared Search and Track) sensor suite, and next-generation electronic countermeasures. The F-16V can fly at speeds exceeding Mach 2, with a tactical radius of 580 km and a maximum ferry range of 3,900 km with external fuel tanks. It maintains high agility with a 9g limit and can operate with a maximum takeoff weight of over 21 tons, enabling a broad range of mission profiles.
Beyond the aircraft itself, Lockheed Martin has detailed several industrial and technological cooperation components that form part of its offer. These include plans for local maintenance and repair capabilities at the component level, as well as the potential establishment of an innovation center modeled after its Center for Innovation and Security Solutions in Abu Dhabi. This facility would aim to develop the Philippine aerospace sector by working with local academic and technical institutions on training programs, scholarships in aerospace engineering, and joint research projects. The exact location of the center remains under discussion and will be determined in consultation with the Philippine authorities to ensure local relevance and accessibility.
On the diplomatic side, Jess Koloini, Director of Business Development at Lockheed Martin Integrated Fighter Group, indicated that negotiations between the U.S. and Philippine governments are ongoing to finalize the terms of the agreement, particularly concerning financing. She expressed confidence in achieving progress by the end of 2025, noting that both governments are working closely to advance discussions.
Operationally, Lockheed Martin stressed the compatibility of the F-16V with current assets of the Philippine Air Force, particularly the eleven FA-50 light combat aircraft built by South Korea, which are based on F-16 airframe designs. This would facilitate a smoother transition to a more advanced platform and allow shared use of systems such as the Sniper targeting pod.
The Block 70 version is described by the manufacturer as the most capable fourth-generation F-16 configuration. It combines the APG-83 AESA radar, advanced cockpit systems, Auto-GCAS, and extended service life certified for 12,000 flight hours. The inclusion of conformal fuel tanks enhances range without compromising aerodynamics, an important factor for a country with over 7,000 islands and vast maritime surveillance needs.
However, a key issue remains the production timeline. Lockheed Martin confirmed a current backlog of 114 aircraft under assembly, indicating that deliveries to the Philippines would likely begin only in the late 2020s. The company noted that scheduling adjustments might be possible depending on the final agreement and government priorities. Production is currently based in Greenville, South Carolina, with plans to ramp up output to 48 aircraft per year through a supply chain involving over 500 subcontractors worldwide.
As of now, 3,100 F-16s are in service globally, including about 500 in the ASEAN region. Countries such as Bahrain, Taiwan, Greece, Slovakia, and Bulgaria have already acquired or upgraded their fleets to the Block 70/72 configuration. Integrating the Philippines into this network would, according to Lockheed Martin, strengthen regional interoperability, already exemplified by joint exercises like Balikatan and Cope Thunder held on Philippine territory.
Lockheed Martin’s proposal is structured around three core pillars: technical capabilities tailored to archipelagic defense needs, an industrial and educational cooperation framework aimed at strengthening local capacity, and regional integration based on widely adopted standards. The delivery timeline, however, remains a decisive factor, especially if geopolitical developments demand faster implementation. The outcome of the MRF program will depend on a combination of strategic, industrial, and financial considerations.
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According to Inquirer.net, Lockheed Martin has recently intensified its communication surrounding its offer of F-16 Block 70 “Viper” fighter jets for the Philippine Air Force’s Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) program. In a regional context increasingly marked by tensions, particularly over sovereignty issues in the South China Sea, the U.S. defense company has highlighted a combination of strategic, technical, and industrial arguments to win over Manila. However, it also clarified that deliveries would not be expected before the end of the decade due to a heavily booked production line.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
On April 1, 2025, the U.S. State Department officially approved a potential sale of twenty F16 Block 70/72 fighter jets to the Philippines under the Foreign Military Sales(FMS) mechanism, valued at approximately USD 5.58 billion (Picture source: US DoD)
The American proposal aligns with the “Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept” recently reaffirmed by Philippine authorities, which emphasizes the ability to sustain military operations over extended periods in the country’s exclusive economic zone. To meet these needs, Lockheed Martin confirmed that the proposed F-16 Block 70 aircraft will be equipped with Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFT), significantly extending operational range without overreliance on aerial refueling. According to the company, this capability gives the F-16 an advantage over its main competitor in the MRF program, the Swedish JAS-39E/F Gripen, particularly for long-range missions over the South China Sea.
On April 1, 2025, the U.S. State Department officially approved a potential sale of twenty F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets to the Philippines under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism, valued at approximately USD 5.58 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress, triggering a 30-day review period. The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions, notably around the South China Sea and Taiwan, and reflects a deepening U.S.-Philippine defense partnership. During a recent visit to the Philippines, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the United States is committed to “reestablishing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific,” citing China’s growing assertiveness. Philippine Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner also noted that any conflict over Taiwan would inevitably involve the Philippines, reinforcing the urgency of modernizing its military capabilities.
The proposed package includes sixteen single-seat F-16C and four dual-seat F-16D aircraft from the Block 70/72 variant, powered by either General Electric F110-GE-129D or Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines. The sale also covers a range of onboard systems and weapons: AN/APG-83 AESA radars, M61A1 20 mm cannons, GPS/INS navigation with M-Code encryption, MIDS-JTRS tactical radios, Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods, AN/ALQ-254 Viper Shield electronic warfare systems, and a wide range of munitions including 112 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs, 40 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinders, 36 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs, JDAM kits, and Paveway II laser-guided bombs.
The F-16 Block 70/72, also referred to as the F-16V, is the most advanced configuration of the widely used multirole fighter. It features the AN/APG-83 SABR AESA radar, offering multi-target tracking and high-resolution mapping capabilities in dense electromagnetic environments. Its detection performance is comparable to that of fifth-generation fighter radars and integrates seamlessly with onboard and external targeting systems.
The aircraft is also equipped with advanced survivability systems such as the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS), which has already proven effective in preventing incidents in U.S. service. It includes a modern digital cockpit with a high-resolution central display, encrypted digital communication systems, an IRST (Infrared Search and Track) sensor suite, and next-generation electronic countermeasures. The F-16V can fly at speeds exceeding Mach 2, with a tactical radius of 580 km and a maximum ferry range of 3,900 km with external fuel tanks. It maintains high agility with a 9g limit and can operate with a maximum takeoff weight of over 21 tons, enabling a broad range of mission profiles.
Beyond the aircraft itself, Lockheed Martin has detailed several industrial and technological cooperation components that form part of its offer. These include plans for local maintenance and repair capabilities at the component level, as well as the potential establishment of an innovation center modeled after its Center for Innovation and Security Solutions in Abu Dhabi. This facility would aim to develop the Philippine aerospace sector by working with local academic and technical institutions on training programs, scholarships in aerospace engineering, and joint research projects. The exact location of the center remains under discussion and will be determined in consultation with the Philippine authorities to ensure local relevance and accessibility.
On the diplomatic side, Jess Koloini, Director of Business Development at Lockheed Martin Integrated Fighter Group, indicated that negotiations between the U.S. and Philippine governments are ongoing to finalize the terms of the agreement, particularly concerning financing. She expressed confidence in achieving progress by the end of 2025, noting that both governments are working closely to advance discussions.
Operationally, Lockheed Martin stressed the compatibility of the F-16V with current assets of the Philippine Air Force, particularly the eleven FA-50 light combat aircraft built by South Korea, which are based on F-16 airframe designs. This would facilitate a smoother transition to a more advanced platform and allow shared use of systems such as the Sniper targeting pod.
The Block 70 version is described by the manufacturer as the most capable fourth-generation F-16 configuration. It combines the APG-83 AESA radar, advanced cockpit systems, Auto-GCAS, and extended service life certified for 12,000 flight hours. The inclusion of conformal fuel tanks enhances range without compromising aerodynamics, an important factor for a country with over 7,000 islands and vast maritime surveillance needs.
However, a key issue remains the production timeline. Lockheed Martin confirmed a current backlog of 114 aircraft under assembly, indicating that deliveries to the Philippines would likely begin only in the late 2020s. The company noted that scheduling adjustments might be possible depending on the final agreement and government priorities. Production is currently based in Greenville, South Carolina, with plans to ramp up output to 48 aircraft per year through a supply chain involving over 500 subcontractors worldwide.
As of now, 3,100 F-16s are in service globally, including about 500 in the ASEAN region. Countries such as Bahrain, Taiwan, Greece, Slovakia, and Bulgaria have already acquired or upgraded their fleets to the Block 70/72 configuration. Integrating the Philippines into this network would, according to Lockheed Martin, strengthen regional interoperability, already exemplified by joint exercises like Balikatan and Cope Thunder held on Philippine territory.
Lockheed Martin’s proposal is structured around three core pillars: technical capabilities tailored to archipelagic defense needs, an industrial and educational cooperation framework aimed at strengthening local capacity, and regional integration based on widely adopted standards. The delivery timeline, however, remains a decisive factor, especially if geopolitical developments demand faster implementation. The outcome of the MRF program will depend on a combination of strategic, industrial, and financial considerations.
