According to a statement from the Pentagon, the Biden administration in the US has approved the potential sale of sustainment and related equipment for the modernization of Pakistan’s F-16 fighter aircraft fleet in a deal worth up to $450 million.
Despite Pakistan having a bigger number of JF-17s, the sale would not include “any new capabilities, armaments, or munitions” for the aircraft, which is its air force’s primary fighter.
After the Balakot attack in 2019, Pakistan employed the same aircraft to target India and used an AIM-120 C-5 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) that was supplied by the United States to shoot down Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s MiG 21 Bison.
These missiles were more capable than the medium range R-77 employed at the time by the Su-30 MKI and the MICA used at the time by the Mirages of the Indian Air Force.
The Pentagon statement also stated that by enabling Pakistan to “maintain interoperability with US and partner forces” in ongoing counterterrorism initiatives and in preparation for upcoming contingency operations, this proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security goals of the United States.
Additionally, it was stated that the proposed sale will maintain Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, which “significantly enhances Pakistan’s ability to support counterterrorism operations with its formidable air-to-ground capability.”
Featured Image: The Diplomat
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