The US administration led by President Donald Trump has approved a sale of advanced technology and support for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets, worth $686 million, reported Dawn, citing a letter the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) sent to Congress on December 8. The approved upgrade include Link–16 systems, cryptographic equipment, avionics updates, training, and comprehensive logistical support.
As for the reason, the reported DSCA letter said the step “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 letter added that the sale would modernise Pakistan’s F-16 fleet and address operational safety concerns, reported Dawn. The department further reportedly argued that the modification will “maintain Pakistan’s capability to meet current and future threats by updating and refurbishing its Block–52 and Mid Life Upgrade F–16 fleet.”
This comes as India-Pakistan ties face critical juncture after April’s terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir and the clashes that followed the event. India targeted terror dens in Pakistan and PoK under ‘Operation Sindoor’, and also inflicted severe damage to the Pak’s defence establishment, after Islamabad targeted civilian areas in India.
‘Aircraft life to be extended’
The proposed updates in the US’ F-16 fleet that Pakistan has, will provide “seamless integration and interoperability between the Pakistan Air Force and the US Air Force in combat operations, exercises, and training, and refurbishment will extend the aircraft life through 2040 while addressing critical flight safety concerns,” the letter stated, as per Dawn.
The US department said that Pakistan is ready to absorb such technological updates, and “has shown a commitment to maintaining its military forces and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”
The letter also said the proposed sale and support “will not alter the basic military balance in the region”.
What all does the upgrade include
According to the report by Pakistan daily, the $686 million upgrade include equipment valued at $37 million and other items at $649 million. The most significant component includes 92 Link–16 data link systems and six inert Mk–82 500-lb general purpose bomb bodies.
Link-16 is an advanced command, control, communications and intelligence system, the report said, adding that Link-16 is a secure, real-time communication network that shares tactical data with the allied forces and is used by US and NATO allies.
“It provides the warfighter key theatre functions such as surveillance, identification, air control, weapons engagement coordination, and direction for all services and allied forces,” the letter further added. The rest $649m worth of equipment include the AN/APQ–10C Simple Key Loaders and AN/APX–126 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe system.
The equipment also has additional secure communications, precision navigation and cryptographic devices, Joint Mission Planning Systems and support, Common Munitions Built-in-test Reprogramming Equipment, and ADU–981 missile adaptor units.
Pakistan had requested for the F-16 fleet upgrades in 2021, but Washington then delayed its response.