WASHINGTON: The United States has cleared a $686 million upgrade and sustainment package for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter aircraft fleet after the proposal completed a mandatory congressional review process without objection, US officials said.
Furthermore, the proposed sale was processed under authorities provided by the Arms Export Control Act and annual appropriations laws, which require formal notification to Congress and allow the transaction to proceed if lawmakers do not object within a specified review period.
In this regard, the Lockheed Martin, the US aerospace and defence company that manufactures the F-16, has been named the principal contractor for the programme.
The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which oversees US government arms transfers, formally notified Congress of Pakistan’s request for the Foreign Military Sale (FMS).
In such a scenario, as per the notification, the upgrade package is intended to extend the service life of Pakistan’s Block-52 and mid-life upgrade F-16 aircraft through 2040, and maintaining interoperability with US and partner forces.
So far, of the total value, $37 million is attributed to major defence equipment, with the remaining $649 million allocated to sustainment, refurbishment, and modernisation services. Moreover, the package includes 92 Link-16 tactical data-link systems and six inert Mk-82 500-pound bomb bodies for integration and testing.
The additional components cover avionics upgrades, secure communications and navigation systems, cryptographic devices, mission-planning tools, and associated software and hardware modifications.
The training systems, spare parts, and equipment for munitions testing and reprogramming are also included.
Meanwhile, Pakistan first submitted its request for F-16 upgrades in 2021–22. While the DSCA supported the proposal, earlier notifications did not advance to final approval. The DSCA said the sale supports US foreign policy and national security objectives by helping Pakistan retain interoperability with US and allied forces.
The agency said the upgrades would strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism efforts, address flight-safety concerns, and improve joint operations, exercises, and training.
