Reversing the choice of its predecessor, the Biden Administration has permitted a whooping USD 450 million F-16 fighter jet fleet sustainment programme to Pakistan.
As a notification to the US Congress, the State Department has made a dedication approving a attainable international army sale of F-16 case for sustainment and associated gear for an estimated value of USD 450 million, arguing that this can maintain Islamabad’s functionality to satisfy present and future counterterrorism threats by sustaining its F-16 fleet,
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this attainable sale on Wednesday.
This is the primary main safety help to Pakistan after Trump in 2018 introduced to cease all protection and safety help to Pakistan alleging that Islamabad was not a accomplice in its battle in opposition to terrorism.
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“The United States Government has notified Congress of a proposed Foreign Military Sales case to sustain the Pakistan Air Force’s F-16 programme. Pakistan is an important counterterrorism partner, and as part of longstanding policy, the United States provides life cycle maintenance and sustainment packages for US-origin platforms,” a State Department spokesperson mentioned.
“Pakistan’s F-16 programme is an important part of the broader United States-Pakistan bilateral relationship. The proposed sale will sustain Pakistan’s capability to meet current and future counterterrorism threats by maintaining its F-16 fleet. The F-16 fleet allows Pakistan to support counterterrorism operations and we expect Pakistan to take sustained action against all terrorist groups,” the spokesperson additional mentioned in response to a query.
According to the Congressional notification, the proposed sale doesn’t embody any new capabilities, weapons, or munitions.
It mentioned that Pakistan has requested to consolidate prior F-16 sustainment and help instances to help the Pakistan Air Force F-16 fleet by lowering duplicate case actions and including further continued help parts.
The USD 450 million international army sale to Pakistan participation in F-16 Aircraft Structural Integrity Programme, digital fight worldwide safety help programme, worldwide engine administration programme, engine element enchancment programme, and different technical coordination teams; plane and engine {hardware} and software program modifications and help and plane and engine spare restore/return components.
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The Pentagon mentioned this proposed sale will help the international coverage and nationwide safety targets of the United States by permitting Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and accomplice forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.
“The proposed sale will continue the sustainment of Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, which greatly improves Pakistan’s ability to support counterterrorism operations through its robust air-to-ground capability. Pakistan will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces,” it mentioned.
According to the Congressional notification, the proposed sale of this gear and help won’t alter the fundamental army stability within the area.
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