PAF F-16X

In an alternate timeline...

The twenty four strong Philippine Gyrfalcon fleet underwent their trial by fire in the South China Sea War of 2019. It was the latest acquisition in the PAF arsenal at the time, replacing most of the older F-16C models. Painted in a drab two tone camouflage, PAF F-16X's took advantage of their small size and superior maneuverability in combat. The much welcomed addition of the JHMCS and AIM-9X were a menace to PLAAF fighters that dared to oppose them.

Despite these technological advantages, PAF Gyrfalcons suffered against sheer enemy numbers. ASEAN coalition forces where woefully outnumbered by PLA units in key battlegrounds. The Battle of Mischief Reef was of particular notoriety. A flight of four Gyrfalcons were forced to engage an enemy force of two PLAN warships and eight J-11 Flankers. By sheer skill of the Philippine airmen, they were able to destroy half the Chinese fighter force. But this was at the expense of losing three planes, two allied frigates (KD Katsuri and KD Lekir) and a vital communication station.

By the war's end only six Gyrfalcons remained in the PAF inventory. The rest of their fighter force suffered considerably, with half the F-15P fleet destroyed and the older F-16C's scuttled by withdrawing PLA units from Basa AFB.