The Philippine Air Force chief has declared the urgent need to acquire more advanced multirole fighter jets to build a "niche air force" capable of credible deterrence against Chinese intrusions, as Manila weighs whether to pursue US-made F-16s or Sweden's Gripen.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has given the green light for the Philippines to acquire new multirole fighter jets, marking a key step forward in the country's military modernization efforts in response to growing tensions in the South China Sea.
The Philippines wants to upgrade its military with mid-range missiles and advanced fighter jets, spending at least $33 billion as it modernises its defence, while seeking offers to buy 40 new multirole fighter jets to boost its military capability.
The United States has approved the potential sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets to Manila, giving the key US ally in the Indo-Pacific a major upgrade to its air force just days after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed to counter China's aggression.
The Philippines has embarked on a $35-billion, decade-long push to modernize its military amid mounting tensions with China, with delivery of the warplanes, if approved by Congress, potentially beginning as soon as next year.
