American aerospace and defense technology company Lockheed Martin expressed optimism that the US government will formally offer for the planned sale of $5.58-billion in F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines.

Lockheed Martin Integrated Fighter Group Business Development Vice President Aimee Burnett said, “It is up to the US government to make that [formal] offer.”

The formal offer, she said, would be “the decision to be made by the US government…” “We do believe that it’s gonna be soon… We do expect it to be soon but the exact date of that offer is up to the US government,” Burnett said.

Burnett said that apart from F-16 jets, Lockheed Martin is also proposing the establishment of an Innovation Center in the Philippines — which would be the focal point for research and development collaboration, technology transfer and investment.

The defense technology company would also be providing maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities to the country by providing technologies and equipment to local industrial partners to allow them to directly repair Philippine Air Force aircraft.

“Lockheed Martin’s partnership with the Philippines extends beyond providing military capability…,” said Burnett, noting that the company’s offer to the Philippines would be a “total package approach” as it aims to train Filipino technicians, enable in-country maintenance, as well as allocate funds for research.

Burnett clarified that while Lockheed Martin will be providing the F-16 Block 70 jets, the discussions are still between the US and the Philippine governments.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez disclosed that the Philippines is working with the US and Lockheed Martin to determine how it can finance the major F-16 acquisition.