Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the Philippines has yet to receive a formal offer and proposal on the potential sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets by United States.

Earlier the United States government approved the possible sale of $5.58 billion in F-16 fighter jets and related equipment to the Philippines.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) in a statement said Manila had requested to buy 16 F-16s or single-seat, single-engine fighter jets and four F-16Ds or dual-seat jets that are usually used for training purposes.

Manufacturer Lockheed Martin said F-16s are the world’s most advanced fourth-generation fighters.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) earlier said it was keeping all options available for its multi-role fighter (MRF) aircraft acquisition.

AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military needs multi-role fighter jets to enhance the country’s defense capabilities.

“Pinag-aaralan natin lahat ng options natin. Definitely, gusto nating bumili ng multi-role fighters kasi kailangan natin sa pagdepensa ng ating bansa, whether these are the F-16, the Gripen or whatever multi-role fighters. Pinag-aaralan po natin iyan,” Brawner said in a chance interview at Camp General Mateo Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal on April 14.