The United States has approved the sale of parts and technology worth 686 million dollars for the upgrade of Pakistan’s F-16 aircrafts.
According to the American magazine Bloomberg, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has approved the sale of technology and equipment worth 686 million dollars for the upgrade of Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets, the purpose of which is to modernize Pakistan’s air fleet.
According to Bloomberg, the notice sent by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency to Congress this week states that this sale includes a tactical system called Link-16.
This system enables the exchange of information between aircraft, ground forces, and command centers, and is considered helpful in locating, tracking, and targeting enemy objectives.
The proposed agreement also includes 92 Link-16 systems and 6 inert bomb bodies, which are used for weapons testing.
Congress has 30 days to review this sale. The notice states that this upgrade will “help Pakistan maintain the capability for joint operations with U.S. and allied forces during ongoing counter-terrorism operations and in any future emergency situation.”
Bloomberg says that Pakistan requested the upgrade of its F-16 fleet in 2021, but the process was halted when Washington began prioritizing Pakistan’s rival India as an important security partner in its strategy against China.
According to weapons-related assessments, Pakistan currently has around 75 F-16 aircraft. The notice says that this upgrade will also help extend the service life of the F-16 aircraft until 2040.
According to the American magazine, the United States keeps a close watch on the use of the weapons it sells.
In May, during a clash with India, Pakistan used on a large scale its modern Chinese defense systems for the first time, including J-10C fighter jets.
