Manila, April 2 -- The United States Department of State has approved the potential foreign military sale of 20 Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines for approximately USD5.58 billion.

In a statement Wednesday (Manila time), the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the Philippine government has requested to buy 16 F-16C Block 70/72 fighter jets and four F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft.

"The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today," it added. The proposed sale, it said, will enhance the Philippine Air Force's ability to conduct maritime domain awareness and close air support missions and enhance its suppression of enemy air defenses and aeria...