Virendra Pandit
New Delhi: Seven months after India knocked out some of Pakistan’s fighter jets during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, the US has agreed to sell new technology and support to upgrade Islamabad’s F-16 fighter jets in a deal worth USD 686 million, the media reported on Thursday.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) had knocked down two JF-17 and one F-16 fighter jets on the ground and in the air. The estimated cost of one JF-17 Block-2 variant, which Pakistan’s Air Force predominantly uses, is approximately USD 25 million.
According to reports, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress about the deal in a letter dated December 8, kicking off a 30-day review period.
The sale will help modernize Pakistan’s F-16 fleet and fix safety issues.
Pakistan had first asked for these upgrades in 2021, but the US delayed its decision.
The letter stated that the US is doing this to support its own foreign policy and security goals. The upgrade will help Pakistan continue working with the US and partner forces in counterterrorism missions and future operations, it said.
Under the deal, the main defense items include 92 Link-16 systems and six inert (non-explosive) bomb bodies for testing. Link-16 is a secure, real-time communications system used by the US and NATO forces. It allows different units to instantly share battlefield data and is designed to resist enemy jamming.
A major part of the deal covers other equipment such as secure communication devices, identification systems, navigation tools, software upgrades, mission-planning systems, missile adapter units, and various electronic security modules.
It also includes testing equipment, spare parts, simulators, training for personnel, manuals, and long-term technical and logistics support from the US and contractors.
According to Pakistan’s media outlet Dawnthe sale will help modernize Islamabad’s F-16 fleet and fix safety issues. It will help Islamabad handle current and future threats by improving its Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade F-16 jets. The changes will also make it easier for Pakistan’s Air Force and the US Air Force to work together during missions, exercises, and training. The refurbishment will extend the jets’ life until 2040 and address key safety concerns.
Lockheed Martin will be the main contractor. In its letter, the DSCA noted that the sale will not require extra American staff in Pakistan and will not affect US defense readiness. The company claimed that F-16 is the most advanced fourth-generation fighter and brings a new level of capability to air forces around the world.
Pakistan cannot deploy the F-16s without permission from the US. The restrictions were reportedly imposed to ensure they are utilized only for counterterrorism, and not deployed against India.
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