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Philippines Considers F-16s Alongside Gripen Fighter Jets

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 9:19 GMT by Defense News
      Locale: PHILIPPINES

MANILA - February 13th, 2026 - The Philippines is navigating a complex path towards military modernization, balancing a significant investment in Saab's Gripen multirole fighter jets with a continued, albeit budget-constrained, interest in acquiring Lockheed Martin's F-16 Fighting Falcon. Despite recently finalizing a $7.7 billion deal for 36 Gripen aircraft, Philippine defense officials confirm that the nation's long-term air defense strategy isn't solely reliant on the Swedish platform.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. reiterated this position in a press briefing today, stating the F-16 remains a "viable" option, primarily due to its relative affordability and accessibility compared to other fourth or fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The Philippines, facing escalating regional security concerns, is keen to enhance its air combat capabilities but must do so within strict budgetary parameters. This has led officials to increasingly explore the possibility of procuring second-hand F-16s.

The decision to simultaneously pursue two distinct fighter programs - the new-build Gripens and potentially used F-16s - stems from a multifaceted approach to modernization. The Gripen acquisition addresses an immediate need for a modern, capable fighter jet, bolstering the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) dwindling fleet of aging aircraft. However, maintaining a diverse fleet offers several strategic advantages. A mix of platforms reduces reliance on a single source for parts, maintenance, and training, and allows for optimized deployment based on specific operational requirements. The Gripen excels in littoral environments, providing effective air defense and ground attack capabilities in the archipelago's complex terrain. An F-16, with its longer range and potentially broader payload capacity, could complement the Gripen by offering greater flexibility for long-range patrols and deeper strike missions.

"We have not closed the door on that," Teodoro stated, referring to the F-16. "We are still assessing the best way to proceed." This assessment likely includes evaluating the availability of suitable F-16 variants, their service history, and the associated costs of refurbishment and upgrade. Several nations, including the United States and potentially others in the region, have been considering retiring or reducing their F-16 fleets, potentially creating a market for well-maintained, second-hand aircraft.

The Philippines' push for military modernization isn't limited to fighter jets. The nation is concurrently investing in a range of other military equipment, including light assault rifles, close-quarters combat firearms, and armored personnel carriers. This holistic approach reflects a growing recognition of the need to address vulnerabilities across all branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The increased spending is largely driven by growing anxieties surrounding territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the need to project a credible defense posture.

The South China Sea dispute, involving overlapping territorial claims with China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, continues to be a major driver of the Philippines' defense planning. China's increasing assertiveness in the region, including the construction of artificial islands and the deployment of military assets, has prompted the Philippines to strengthen its alliances and improve its military capabilities. The United States remains a key ally, providing military assistance and conducting joint exercises with the AFP. The increased focus on air power is partly intended to bolster the Philippines' ability to monitor and respond to activities in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

However, the Philippines faces significant economic challenges that constrain its defense budget. Balancing the need for modernization with other pressing national priorities, such as infrastructure development and social welfare programs, requires careful prioritization and strategic resource allocation. Exploring options like second-hand F-16s demonstrates a pragmatic approach to procurement, aiming to maximize capabilities within available funding. Further complicating matters are global supply chain issues and inflationary pressures, which are driving up the cost of military equipment worldwide.

The coming months will be crucial as the Philippines assesses the feasibility of adding F-16s to its order book. A decision will likely hinge on securing favorable financing terms, identifying suitable aircraft, and ensuring compatibility with the existing and future PAF infrastructure. The successful integration of both the Gripen and potentially the F-16 will be a key indicator of the Philippines' commitment to becoming a more secure and resilient regional actor.