The package includes Link-16 systems, cryptographic equipment, avionics upgrades and logistical support.
The United States has authorized the sale of advanced technology and support for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets, worth $686 million, according to a letter from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to Congress dated December 8.
The package includes Link-16 systems, cryptographic equipment, avionics upgrades, training and comprehensive logistics support.
The DSCA letter outlines the rationale for the sale, stating that it “will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by allowing Pakistan to maintain interoperability with U.S. and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.”
The proposed sale also aims to modernize Pakistan’s F-16 fleet and address operational safety issues. The letter states that it will “maintain Pakistan’s ability to meet current and future threats by upgrading and renewing its Block-52 and Mid Life Upgrade F-16 fleet.”
These upgrades will provide “seamless integration and interoperability between the Pakistan Air Force and the US Air Force in combat operations, exercises and training, and the refurbishment will extend the service life of the aircraft until 2040 while addressing critical flight safety concerns,” the letter added.
The document also highlights Pakistan’s willingness to absorb the technology, stating that the country “has shown a commitment to maintaining its military forces and will have no difficulty in absorbing these items and services into its armed forces.”
It addresses regional concerns and states that “the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”
Lockheed Martin Company of Fort Worth, Texas, will be the prime contractor for the sale. The US defense agency noted that “implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional US government representatives or contractors to Pakistan” and that there will be “no adverse impact on US defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
The total estimated value of the sale is $686 million, of which major defense equipment is valued at $37 million and other items at $649 million.
The Major Defense Equipment (MDE) component includes 92 Link-16 data link systems and six general-purpose Mk-82 500-pound inert bomb bodies; the latter will not have an explosive charge and will be used for weapons integration tests.
Link-16 is an advanced command, control, communications and intelligence system. It is a secure real-time communications network that shares tactical data between allied forces and is used by US and NATO allied forces. The system is also resistant to electronic interference from enemy air and ground means.
“It provides the warfighter with key theater functions such as surveillance, identification, air control, weapons combat coordination, and direction for all allied services and forces,” the letter said.
The remainder of the deal consists of $649 million worth of non-MDE equipment, including the AN/APQ-10C simple key loaders and the AN/APX-126 Advanced Friend or Foe Identification System, used to identify hostile and friendly aircraft.
