The United States Department has approved the “possible” foreign military sale of 20 Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets, worth $5.58 billion, to the Philippines, which was immediately welcomed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a statement on Wednesday (Manila time), the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the Philippine government has requested to buy 16 F-16C Block 70/72 fighter jets and four F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft.

“The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today,” it said.

It also noted that the proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States “by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in Southeast Asia.”

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized that the Philippine military deeply appreciates the US' commitment to supporting its modernization program.

“Anything po that will modernize us and propel us to greater heights with our assets, we gratefully welcome that po for the Armed Forces,” she said.

However, she deferred sharing additional details about the acquisition of military assets to the Department of National Defense (DND).

“Matters concerning ongoing acquisitions remain under the purview of the DND,” she told reporters in a Viber message.

“Nonetheless, we remain steadfast in our mission to defend the nation while anticipating future enhancements that will strengthen our ability to safeguard our territory,” she added.

The US Department said the possible F-16 sale will "improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in Southeast Asia.”

It added that a potential sale would improve “the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) ability to conduct maritime domain awareness” and “enhance its suppression of enemy air defenses.”

“This sale will also increase the ability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to protect vital interests and territory, as well as expand interoperability with the US forces. The Philippines will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces,” it further stated.

When asked about the matter, DND spokesperson Director Arsenio Andolong stated that the agency has not yet received “any official notice of such a decision.”

For her part, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo clarified that the PAF can only comment on assets that have already been delivered to them.

“The PAF can only comment on issues or give statements regarding assets that had been turned over to us as end-users. We respectfully defer to the DND regarding statements concerning future or ongoing acquisitions,” Castillo said.

“Nonetheless, we continue to perform our mandate, as we also look forward to future developments that will further enhance our capabilities to protect our nation and our skies,” she added.