Manila, April 3 -- Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Thursday said the planned procurement of fighter jets from the United States is crucial in strengthening the Philippines' defense posture.

This, after the US Department of State approved the potential foreign military sale of 20 Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines for approximately USD5.58 billion.

Bersamin said the plan to purchase the US fighter jets is not intended to harm a third party or a particular country.

"The details will be worked out still. But that is not for any specific target or state. That is for our [defense] posture," Bersamin told reporters on the sidelines of an event at Malacanan Palace.

The Philippine government has requested to procure 16...