US Ally Suspends Purchase of 20 F-16 Jets

The Philippines is suspending its planned purchase of F-16 jets from the U.S. due to funding issues, the Southeast Asian country’s top diplomat in Washington said.

“The last I heard, it’s been on hold, mainly because of funding,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said on Tuesday, September 9, the Philippine News Agency reported.

“We’re still in discussion as far as that’s concerned, but at the end of the day it all boils down to the money—the availability of the funds.”

Romualdez said the Department of National Defense is focusing on “other priorities at this point in time rather than the purchase of such big-ticket items.”

In April, the U.S. approved the sale of 16 F-16 C Block 70/72 fighter jets and four F-16 D Block 70/72 aircraft to the Philippines, along with associated systems, materiel, and technical support in a deal worth $5.58 billion overall.

“This 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,” said the State Department’s notice approving the sale.

This is a developing article. Updates to follow.