- The improvements will improve collaboration between two air forces.
- The DSCA letter says the sale will not alter the military balance in the region.
- Lockheed Martin named prime contractor to support the F-16.
The United States approved the sale of advanced technology and support services worth $686 million for Pakistan’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets, according to a letter from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to Congress dated December 8.
The package covers Link-16 data link systems, cryptographic equipment, avionics upgrades, training and extensive logistical support. The DSCA says the decision aligns with Washington’s broader strategic objectives, stating that the sale “will support US foreign policy and national security objectives by enabling Pakistan to maintain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.”
The letter notes that the upgrades are intended to modernize Pakistan’s F-16 Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade and address operational security requirements. According to the letter, the sale 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.”
The DSCA adds that the upgrades will improve collaboration between the two air forces, saying the upgraded systems will provide “seamless integration and interoperability between the Pakistan Air Force and the US Air Force in combat operations, exercises and training”, while the refurbishment will extend the aircraft’s service life until 2040 and address critical safety issues.
The document also states that Pakistan is prepared to integrate the systems into its forces, noting 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.”
Taking into account regional sensitivities, the DSCA says the sale “will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”
Fort Worth, Texas-based Lockheed Martin will serve as prime contractor. The agency confirms that the implementation will not require additional US government or contractor personnel in Pakistan and emphasizes that there will be “no adverse impact on US defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
Of the total amount, $37 million covers major defense equipment, while $649 million relates to other items. The MDE component includes 92 Link-16 systems and six Mk-82 500-pound inert bomb bodies, which will be used solely for weapons integration testing.
Link-16 is a secure real-time communications network for sharing tactical data between US and allied forces. It is resistant to electronic interference and, the DSCA notes, “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 rest of the package includes non-MDE items such as the AN/APQ-10C simple key magazines and the AN/APX-126 Advanced Friend or Foe Identification System, which allows identification of hostile and friendly aircraft.
