Philippines seeks second-hand F-16s from United States

[SpArK]

Philippines seeks second-hand F-16s from United States​

MANILA, Dec 21 (Reuters) - The Philippines has asked
the United States, its closest security partner, to give it at
least a squadron of second-hand F-16 fighters to help upgrade
its territorial defences, the foreign secretary said on
Wednesday.


The Philippines has no air power to speak of, with its
40-year-old F-5A/Bs fighter jets retired from service several
years ago. It has no bombers or surveillance aircraft and still
flies Vietnam War-era UH-1H helicopters.


"We are just trying to restore our capability as it was
before," Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario told
reporters.


He said he hoped the fighters would be acquired through
excess defence articles, a U.S. military aid programme.


"I think we are actually behind the curve ... we have been
far more advanced many years ago in terms of military
capability," he said.


Del Rosario said acquisition of the F-16 fighters would be
among issues to be discussed in strategic talks in Washington.


Philippines seeks second-hand F-16s from United States - chicagotribune.com

 

[indian_sukhoi]

Single engine aircrafts suits very well for small airforce with large needs and requirements.

Hope these F-16s come very cheap unlike for Iraq. Iraqis payed $165 Million for each F-16s - http://defenceforumindia.com/asia-pacific-middle-east/25588-iraqi-f-16s-165-million-each.html

They might also opt for Mirage-2000 from Saudi Arabia!!

 

[asianobserve]

Single engine aircrafts suits very well for small airforce with large needs and requirements.

Hope these F-16s come very cheap unlike for Iraq. Iraqis payed $165 Million for each F-16s - http://defenceforumindia.com/asia-pacific-middle-east/25588-iraqi-f-16s-165-million-each.html

They might also opt for Mirage-2000 from Saudi Arabia!!

If a failed state like Pakistan with almost no economy to talk about can afford to buy all kinds of high tech weapons it's a wonder why a country with more economic muscle like the Philippines cannot afford to do so?

 

[agentperry]

philippines air force beat IAF hands down in the no of crashes. it had reguarly and consistently crashed many of its transport aircraft but now there is a lull in crashes, i think they dont have any of them left to crash.

philippines militarization along with vietnam is a good option to counter chinese forward policies but doubts persist over the loyalt of philippines, in this world where west recovery is sluggish and economy is dwindling, may be in future, if china compromises a bit then these nations may ditch west as west is still far far away and china is the nation they have to live with.

but for now i think philippines should be given more than just one squadron of used f-16s. as one squadron wont pose any danger to planaf leave aside plaaf

 

[Ray]

Used or new, the machine will prove to be lethal.

 

[asianobserve]

Used or new, the machine will prove to be lethal.

I think so especially in the hands of gutsy Filipinos. But the US better be prepared for serious escalation in the region once they hand over these jets to the Philippines as the Filipinos do not take Chinese aggressiveness sitting down.

 

[Bhadra]

Good move.
Waht say nimo and good guy?

 

[asianobserve]

philippines air force beat IAF hands down in the no of crashes. it had reguarly and consistently crashed many of its transport aircraft but now there is a lull in crashes, i think they dont have any of them left to crash.

philippines militarization along with vietnam is a good option to counter chinese forward policies but doubts persist over the loyalt of philippines, in this world where west recovery is sluggish and economy is dwindling, may be in future, if china compromises a bit then these nations may ditch west as west is still far far away and china is the nation they have to live with.

but for now i think philippines should be given more than just one squadron of used f-16s. as one squadron wont pose any danger to planaf leave aside plaaf

The muscle flexing that the Chinese has exhibited lately against the Philippines despite major concessions in the past has made its leaders realise that there can be no appeasement with China. They are better off with their traditional ally the US.

If the recent events suggest then it is apparent that the Philippines has already abandoned its China engagement policy (look East politically). It is now back firmly in US' hands (note even Singapore).

 

[Ray]

The muscle flexing that the Chinese has exhibited lately against the Philippines despite major concessions in the past has made its leaders realise that there can be no appeasement with China. They are better off with their traditional ally the US.

If the recent events suggest then it is apparent that the Philippines has already abandoned its China engagement policy (look East politically). It is now back firmly in US' hands (note even Singapore).

China is very clear about its agenda.

She will grab anything that suits her purpose and will manufacture history to suit herself.

It is only when one stands up to her will she be deterred from the dadagiri that she believes is her historical birthright.

 

[Ray]

I think so especially in the hands of gutsy Filipinos. But the US better be prepared for serious escalation in the region once they hand over these jets to the Philippines as the Filipinos do not take Chinese aggressiveness sitting down.

You have a point there, given that the Filipinos were acting tough with China with their old tubs that they pass off as the Navy!

 

[agentperry]

i think philippines should be armed with more SAMs. a no go area will irritate chinese more and make them provoke and act more vigorously which may one fine day leads to some error on chinese part giving other a chance to impose stricter anti-china policies

 

[asianobserve]

China is so hungry about resources and would not give a damn about smaller countries, not even in the spirit of strategic alliances (the Chinese are so self-assured of themselves). There's no doubt that we are now entering the dangerous phase of resources race as resources dwindle and demand increases. War may be inevitable in some of these areas of contention.

 

[asianobserve]

i think philippines should be armed with more SAMs. a no go area will irritate chinese more and make them provoke and act more vigorously which may one fine day leads to some error on chinese part giving other a chance to impose stricter anti-china policies

The Philippines is schooled in US military doctrines. The US do not put much emphasis on SAMs.

 

[SpArK]

Philippines has the weakest Airforce in tha region. Its time to move it to the next level.

They should get a couple of squadron of F-16s and a squadron of Silent eagle atleast to thwart aggressive neighbour.

 

[Ray]

Today weak.

Tomorrow strong!

 

[asianobserve]

Philippines has the weakest Airforce in tha region. Its time to move it to the next level.

They should get a couple of squadron of F-16s and a squadron of Silent eagle atleast to thwart aggressive neighbour.

Were it not for China's Spratlys bullying the Philippines would not be seriously entertain upgrading its Air Force. It's one of the softest state in terms of military in the SEA region. They are still trying to get their economic house in order. But with an English proficient population (without the accent) the Philippines is well positioned to reap the benefits SEA region's economic rise. In fact the Philippines already surpassed India as the "Call Center" capital of the World.

 

[SpArK]

Today weak.

Tomorrow strong!

And day after tomorrow Armageddon.
.

 

[SpArK]

Were it not for China's Spratlys bullying the Philippines would not be seriously entertain upgrading its Air Force. It's one of the softest state in terms of military in the SEA region. They are still trying to get their economic house in order.

Yup all these years the minimal spending was on Navy, which is understandably justified on low level threats and a long coastline.

It doesnt matter if they are trying to get their economies right.

You cant eat food when a gun is pointed at ur head.

Hence security is of utmost importance.

 

[Ray]

Were it not for China's Spratlys bullying the Philippines would not be seriously entertain upgrading its Air Force. It's one of the softest state in terms of military in the SEA region. They are still trying to get their economic house in order.

That was China's great error.

She embarked into the Aggressive Rise of China too early even before they consolidated the Peaceful Rise of China stage.

I am surprised since the Chinese are very patient a people!

 

[asianobserve]

I am surprised since the Chinese are very patient a people!

They easily got drunk of all the accolades heaped on them from around the World" The new No. 1! The new master of Asia! Overtook Japan and will overtake the US!.