Aerospace Workforce Development at Core of F-16 Deal with PH.

MAY 19,2025

MANILA, Philippines — As the Philippines moves to modernize its air defense capabilities, global defense giant Lockheed Martin is sweetening its offer of F-16 Block 70 fighter jets with the proposed creation of an aerospace innovation hub—a move that promises long-term benefits for the country’s self-reliant defense industry and technical workforce development.

Speaking exclusively to the Inquirer during her visit to Manila, Jess Koloini, director of business development at Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group, revealed that the tailored package for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) includes a facility akin to its Center for Innovation and Security Solutions in Abu Dhabi.

“It’s meant to bring together leaders from Philippine academia, technical institutions, Lockheed Martin, and other U.S. partners for joint research and development,” Koloini said.

The proposed innovation center in the Philippines aims to bolster aerospace education, technical training, and R&D collaboration, positioning the country as a growing player in the Asia-Pacific defense technology ecosystem.

Empowering the Filipino Aerospace Workforce

According to Koloini, the facility would serve as a central hub for scholarships in aerospace engineering, skill-building programs, and advanced training—crucial steps in cultivating a world-class Filipino aerospace workforce.

While the specific location of the innovation hub is still being finalized, Lockheed Martin is working closely with the Philippine government to ensure that the center will be built where it delivers the greatest national impact.

“We’re seeking feedback from the government on where the innovation center would be most valuable. It should be a center for the Filipino people,” she emphasized.

$5.58-Billion F-16 Package Awaiting Final Approval

The U.S. State Department recently approved the potential sale of 20 F-16 Block 70 multi-role fighters to the Philippines—estimated at $5.58 billion. The aircraft package includes advanced capabilities such as:

• APG-83 AESA radar
• Modernized cockpit
• Sniper advanced targeting pods
• Automatic ground collision avoidance system
• 12,000-hour certified service life

Also included are conformal fuel tanks that significantly extend flight range—especially vital for long-range patrol missions in the West Philippine Sea, where territorial tensions continue to rise.

“The F-16’s extended range is ideal for archipelagic defense. It offers hundreds of nautical miles of additional coverage without needing a tanker,” said Koloini.

Aerospace Workforce Dev.-Why the F-16 Is the Right Fit for the Philippine Air Force

With the Philippine Air Force currently relying on 11 FA-50s from South Korea, Koloini noted that transitioning to the F-16 Block 70 would be seamless due to shared engineering design.

“The FA-50 is derived from the F-16. So moving to the F-16 is the most logical and efficient next step for the PAF,” she said.

The F-16 offer competes with Sweden’s JAS-39 Gripen and South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae, but the interoperability advantage and regional support network of over 500 F-16s already operating in Southeast Asia give the American fighter a strategic edge.

Aerospace Workforce Dev.-Local Repair and Maintenance: Boosting Defense Independence

Beyond aircraft delivery, Lockheed Martin also hinted at future plans to establish in-country MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) capability for F-16 components. This move would reduce dependence on foreign servicing and create new aerospace jobs in the Philippines.

“This has the potential to boost economic development through local industrial growth,” said Koloini.

Expected Delivery Timeline and Global Integration

Lockheed Martin currently has over 114 F-16s in production and has delivered 26 to date. If the deal pushes through, delivery for the Philippines would begin in the late 2020s, depending on government-to-government negotiations.

The F-16’s inclusion would further deepen US-Philippine military cooperation, following successful joint military drills like Balikatan and Cope Thunder, which demonstrated increased combat readiness and regional interoperability.

“It’s more than just aircraft. It’s a network—a family of F-16 operators across ASEAN. We grow together, train together, and, if needed, defend together,” Koloini concluded.

What This Means for the Philippines

The F-16 deal and proposed innovation hub reflect a major step in the Philippines’ quest for military modernization, aerospace self-reliance, and strategic regional defense presence—especially amid growing challenges in the West Philippine Sea.

If approved, this package won’t just bring state-of-the-art fighter jets—it could transform the future of the Philippine defense industry, inspire a new generation of Filipino aerospace engineers, and cement the country’s place in the global defense ecosystem. Philippines F-16 Purchase: US Approves $5.58-B

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