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MAYROON na umanong pag-uusap sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Amerika sa posibilidad na pagbili ng bansa ng F-16 fighter jets ng Amerika, ayon kay Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez.
Ayon kay Romualdez, sakali’t matuloy ang kasunduan, lalo pa nitong mapalalakas ang air defense capability ng bansa.
Nauna rito, sinabi ni Romualdez na “the Philippines is trying to build up defense capability, play catch up by modernizing its armed forces, and establish robust presence in the country’s exclusive economic zone particularly in the West Philippine Sea where there is simmering maritime row with China.”
“Yung F-16 matagal na nating gusto yan ang ating Air Force hinihintay na nila,” aniya pa rin sa isang panayam.
“It’s a very good aircraft and it’s been proven to be effective in air defense. We are hoping to be able to close a deal on the F-16. It’s still on the table right now,” ayon pa kay Romualdez.
Ang F-16 fighter jet ay itinututing na “most versatile aircraft” ng United States Air Force. Maaari itong i-adapt sa air-to-air fighting, ground attacks, at electronic warfare.
Samantala, binanggit naman ni Romualdez na maaaring makapagbigay ng hamon ang kasunduan sa procurement law.
“The Philippines’ procurement law states that we have to buy brand new,” anito sabay sabing “Hindi kaya iyon and it’s too expensive, so buying a fairly used aircraft that’s slightly used is just as good as a brand new one and more affordable.”
Para sa taong 2024, may nakikita naman pagtaas si Romualdez sa military at defense cooperation sa pagitan ng Maynila at Washington.
