F-16 upgrade to Pakistan: US moves ahead on $686 million deal!

The Trump administration has notified the US Congress of a proposed $686 million arms sale to Pakistan to upgrade its F-16 fighter jets. This puts the package into a mandatory 30-day review period. However, this step of the Trump administration has created a stir globally.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has informed House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman James Rish and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast in this regard.

The US Air Force is about to issue a ‘Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for defense materials and services worth approximately $686 million to Pakistan, the estimated cost of which is $686 million,’ the agency said in the letters.

The proposed package includes Major Defense Equipment (MDAs) worth $37 million and additional hardware, software and logistical support worth $649 million.

The MDA list also includes 92 links – 16 technical data link systems. It is a jam-resistant digital network used by US and allied forces to share battlefield information in real time.

Also included are six MK-82 inert 500-pound bomb bodies, which are unguided and low-drag training weapons. These are specifically used for integration and release testing.

According to the notification, the deal also includes a variety of non-MDA items, including avionics updates, operational flight program modifications, secure communications systems, identification friend or foe equipment, cryptographic applique, mission-planning systems, test equipment, spare parts, training devices, simulators, publications, and contractor engineering and logistics support.

The administration said these upgrades will help Pakistan modernize its Block-52 and mid-life upgrade F-16 fleet and ensure compatibility with US and partner forces.

The notice says that this deal will support America’s foreign policy and national security. This will allow Pakistan to continue working with US and allied forces in anti-terrorism operations.

The notification also said that the renovation will extend the lifespan of the aircraft to 2040 and address critical flight safety concerns. Keeping in mind India’s long-standing concerns, the notification clearly states that the sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

Lockheed Martin of Fort Worth, Texas, has been named as the prime contractor. The US Congress has 30 days to review this proposed sale.

Although arms transfers to Pakistan have often been subject to bipartisan review, similar notifications in recent years have proceeded without any formal protest resolution.