NSC: Planned procurement of fighter jets part of AFP modernization program

The National Security Council (NSC) said Thursday the planned procurement of fighter jets is not intended for any country but a part of the Philippine military's modernization program.

''I’d also wish to address the statement coming from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of People’s Republic of China wherein they said that any defense cooperation with other nations by the Philippines should not target or harm the interest of a third party nor should it threaten regional peace and security,'' NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said during a press briefing.

''And we would like to assure the People’s Republic of China that the planned procurement of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippine arsenal does not in any way harm the interest of any third party. It is not intended for any nation. It is merely part of the AFP Modernization Program,'' Malaya added.

The Philippines plans to seek a long-term loan from Washington to acquire 20 "brand-new" F-16 fighter jets and other defense equipment from the US government, Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez told GMA News Online.

He said the Philippines intends to purchase brand-new F-16s to be delivered "in tranches" like the 10 Blackhawk helicopters acquired by Manila in 2024.

The multi-role helicopters, utilized for search and rescue and humanitarian aid, are part of a contract for 32 Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters manufactured by Lockheed Martin under the Philippines' defense modernization program.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the Philippines' plan to purchase fighter jets from the United States is not for a specific target or state. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News