State Department Approves $5.6 Billion in F-16s for Philippines

The State Department told Congress it has approved a possible $5.6 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, a move that would send US warplanes to a key ally in Southeast Asia that has clashed with China.

The proposed sale is for 20 F-16’s, made by Lockheed Martin Corp., and other equipment including missiles, radars and spare engines, according to a statement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

The proposed sale will help the US by improving “the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress ...