Squadron’s Worth Of Block 70/72 C And D Models

The Department of Defense released a notice of a proposed sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines in a deal worth about $5.58 billion including munitions and support gear. The U.S. State Department previously approved the sale, which now requires Congressional notification.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a report that the Philippines’ purchase includes 16 C models and four D models as well as spare parts, weapons, and support systems. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer, said the Block 70/72 aircraft are the most advanced fourth-generation fighter ever built, featuring upgraded avionics, tracking, and targeting systems. However they lack the stealth capabilities of the fifth-generation fighters such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.

Dan Leaf, former deputy commander of what is now called Indo-Pacific Command said, “If this report is accurate, and the Philippines is getting Block 70/72 F-16s, that is a major improvement in capability. These new jets have a very complete set of advanced capabilities that should give [China] pause. It is also a major investment, and if the purchase goes through will be a strong statement of Philippine commitment to its alliance with the United States.”

Other equipment in the sale include spare engines, radars, mission computers, navigation systems, and related gear.

Munitions in the deal are:

• 40 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder air-to-air missiles
• 112 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range air-to-air missiles or AMRAAMs
• 60 MK-82 500-pound general purpose bombs
• 60 MK-84 2,000-pound general purpose bombs

The agency said, “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.”

FMI:  www.stripes.com/