Offering a fighter jet to an ally involves much more than just the aircraft itself. It comes with a comprehensive support package and often includes additional economic benefits, such as the creation of more jobs. While the Philippines is still in the early stages of selecting a new multi-role fighter, Lockheed Martin has outlined its long-term commitment to collaborate closely with the country. Their efforts will focus on supporting the Philippines’ Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept. This collaboration will emphasize training, technology transfer, research, and job creation for Filipinos through local partnerships.
This collaboration supports the Self-Reliant Defense Posture and connects directly to the F-16 Block 70 program. Lockheed Martin will invest in Filipino workers, education, and local maintenance capability to strengthen defense readiness.
First, Lockheed Martin plans to set up local Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) support for both the F-16 Block 70 and the C-130 aircraft. This move would reduce the country’s reliance on foreign facilities by allowing in-country repair and servicing of Philippine Air Force aircraft.
The company also plans to deliver core equipment and technology to its local partners. These partners will be trained to handle repair tasks directly, helping grow aerospace jobs and technical careers across the Philippines.
The F-16 Block 70 program involves training Filipino technicians to support these maintenance operations. This will not only reduce turnaround time for aircraft servicing but also help create steady jobs for skilled workers.
“With the F-16 Block 70, Lockheed Martin is confident it can help the Philippines build a sustainable airpower ecosystem, driven by Filipino talent and supported by local industry, while delivering the advanced capabilities needed to address its most pressing defense requirements,” said Aimee Burnett, vice president of business development for the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin.
Innovation Center for local research and skills
Lockheed Martin also plans to open an Innovation Center in the Philippines. This center will focus on research, training, and the development of new technologies. The company will partner with local universities, government agencies, and private firms to make this possible.
The Innovation Center will provide training programs, fund local research, and help the country create its own capabilities in new technology areas. Lockheed Martin has set up similar centers in other countries such as Australia and the United Arab Emirates.
The center in the Philippines will work as a hub to help local talent grow. It will allow students, engineers, and researchers to access tools and support needed to develop future systems and solutions.
“Lockheed Martin’s partnership with the Philippines extends beyond providing military capability,” Burnett said. “As we collaborate with the local industry, we aim to deliver social and economic value by cultivating talent, creating jobs and driving innovation that advances the domestic defense sector and supports holistic progress.”
Long-term goals tied to Filipino talent
Lockheed Martin wants this effort to help the country build a long-lasting and self-sustained defense system. Through ongoing technical training and industry development, the company hopes to help the country gain more control over its defense needs.
“In short, Lockheed Martin is committed to building a long-term partnership that benefits the Philippines and its people,” Burnett added.
The company’s local partnerships, technician training, and knowledge-sharing programs aim to create more long-term careers in aerospace and technology. These programs also support long-term needs of the Philippine Air Force as it continues to expand its airpower resources.
Lockheed Martin plans to grow these efforts further to support national goals through local capability. The company believes the combined work on the F-16 Block 70, maintenance support, and the Innovation Center will support the country in building a strong, homegrown defense network.
The pressing question now is whether the Philippine government will purchase the F-16 aircraft. Currently, there is no clear answer, but I remain hopeful that all the projects and planned investments that Lockheed Martin intends to undertake in the Philippines will move forward.
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