Arms transfer: US issues notification of F-16 sale to Pakistan

Says the deal will not alter military balance in South Asia

In the wake of strong disapproval from India and American lawmakers, the US government has formally published a federal notification for the sale of eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan.

“This sale will increase the number of aircraft available to the Pakistan Air Force to sustain operations, meet monthly training requirements, and support transition training for pilots new to the Block-52,” stated the notification, which was published by the US Federal Register on Friday to fulfill a public law regarding military sales.

“[It] improves Pakistan's capability to meet current and future security threats. These additional F-16 aircraft will facilitate operations in all-weather, non-daylight environments, provide a self-defense/area suppression capability, and enhance Pakistan's ability to conduct counter-insurgency and counterterrorism operations,” it said. “Pakistan will have no difficulty absorbing these additional aircraft into its air force.”

The notification added that the sale “contributes to US foreign policy objectives and national security goals by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner in South Asia.” It stressed that the sale will not ‘alter the basic military balance in the region’ or have an ‘adverse impact on US defence readiness’.

The total estimated cost of the deal comes down to $699.04 million, according to the notification.

In addition to the eight F-16 Block 52 aircraft with F100-PW-229 increased performance engines, the package includes eight AN/APG-68(V)9 radars, eight LQ-211(V)9 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites  and 14 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems.

“Additionally, this possible sale includes spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and programme support,” the notification said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 6^th, 2016.