US approves sale of F-16 technology to Pakistan – media
The deal between Washington and Islamabad is reportedly worth $686 million
The US has approved the sale of technology and support for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets, the Pakistani website Dawn reported on Wednesday.
The proposed sale aims to modernize Pakistan’s F-16 fleet and address operational safety concerns, the report said, citing a December 8 letter from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to Congress.
“[The sale] will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by allowing Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations,” the DSCA letter said.
The estimated value of the sale is $686 million. The deal also provides for technical and logistics support services, studies, and surveys.
Pakistan had requested upgrades to its F-16 fleet in 2021, but Washington delayed its response amid strained relations then, according to the report.
The deal has a 30-day review period and is expected to undergo scrutiny from US lawmakers, while India is keeping a close watch on the developments, NDTV reported.
The reported sale comes weeks after the US approved a potential $93 million arms sale to India in a package that includes the Javelin missile system, Times of India reported.
The South Asian neighbors were involved in a military conflict over May 7-10 after a terrorist attack on April 22 in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir that claimed 26 lives. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed he brokered a ceasefire between the nuclear-armed countries after a “long night of talks.” New Delhi has rejected these claims.