WASHINGTON: Pakistan will get upgrades to the tune of $450 million for its approximately 85 F-16 fighter jets, notwithstanding the country’s perilous economic, and environmental condition.
The US state department on Wednesday said it had made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) for “sustainment and related equipment” of F-16 for an estimated cost of $450 million.
A certification from the Pentagon‘s Defense Security Cooperation Agency notifying Congress of the possible sale said it does not include any new capabilities, weapons, or munitions.
The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by allowing Pakistan to retain interoperability with U.S. and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations, the notification said, adding that the sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The US State Department said Pakistan had made a request to consolidate prior F-16 sustainment and support cases to support the Pakistan Air Force F-16 fleet by reducing duplicate case activities and adding additional continued support elements.
The support includes Pakistan’s participation in F-16 Aircraft Structural Integrity Program, Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program, International Engine Management Program, Engine Component Improvement Program, and other technical coordination groups, Aircraft and engine hardware and software modifications and support, Aircraft and engine spare repair/return parts Accessories and support equipment, Classified and unclassified software and software support and Other related elements of aircraft maintenance and program support.
The support list offers a clue to the near obsolete nature of the F16 fighter jet, which still occupies a near mythical status in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Air Force has more than 900 aircraft, including 16 combat squadrons, but the F-16 occupies a pride of place although in recent years it has been supplanted by squadrons of JF-17 Thunder which Pakistan has jointly developed with China.
It is not clear if the Biden administration ran the sale proposal by India, with which it claims a special strategic relationship, although it is not obliged to. India too practices an independent foreign policy based on its own security calculus.
On Wednesday, Prime minister Narendra Modi said India is keen to boost energy cooperation with Russia, despite the US and NATO confrontation with Moscow over the invasion of Ukraine.
The US state department on Wednesday said it had made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) for “sustainment and related equipment” of F-16 for an estimated cost of $450 million.
A certification from the Pentagon‘s Defense Security Cooperation Agency notifying Congress of the possible sale said it does not include any new capabilities, weapons, or munitions.
The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by allowing Pakistan to retain interoperability with U.S. and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations, the notification said, adding that the sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The US State Department said Pakistan had made a request to consolidate prior F-16 sustainment and support cases to support the Pakistan Air Force F-16 fleet by reducing duplicate case activities and adding additional continued support elements.
The support includes Pakistan’s participation in F-16 Aircraft Structural Integrity Program, Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program, International Engine Management Program, Engine Component Improvement Program, and other technical coordination groups, Aircraft and engine hardware and software modifications and support, Aircraft and engine spare repair/return parts Accessories and support equipment, Classified and unclassified software and software support and Other related elements of aircraft maintenance and program support.
The support list offers a clue to the near obsolete nature of the F16 fighter jet, which still occupies a near mythical status in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Air Force has more than 900 aircraft, including 16 combat squadrons, but the F-16 occupies a pride of place although in recent years it has been supplanted by squadrons of JF-17 Thunder which Pakistan has jointly developed with China.
It is not clear if the Biden administration ran the sale proposal by India, with which it claims a special strategic relationship, although it is not obliged to. India too practices an independent foreign policy based on its own security calculus.
On Wednesday, Prime minister Narendra Modi said India is keen to boost energy cooperation with Russia, despite the US and NATO confrontation with Moscow over the invasion of Ukraine.