US approves upgrade-related sale for Pakistan F-16s
The Pakistan Air Force operates a 72 aircraft-strong F-16 fleet. The PAF and the US Air Force units (including F-16 squadrons from both air forces) resumed bilateral training exercises in February 2022. (US Air Force/Master Sgt Christopher Parr)
The US government has approved a multimillion-dollar sale of systems and technology to upgrade Pakistan's fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft.
The proposed sale has an estimated value of USD686 million, out of which USD37 million is for major defence equipment (MDE) such as the Link-16 joint tactical information distribution system, according to a notice sent by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to US Congress on 4 December.
Janes assesses the inclusion of Link-16 in the Fighting Falcons of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) would allow the aircraft to access networked information from command centres and ground units, enhancing their combat capabilities.
According to the DSCA's notice to Congress, the MDE elements of the proposed sale include 92 Link-16 systems and six Mk-82 inert 500 lb general purpose bomb bodies. The PAF has 72 F-16 aircraft currently in service, according to Janes data.
“The proposed sale will maintain Pakistan's capability to meet current and future threats by updating and refurbishing its Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade F-16 fleet,” the DSCA said.
The DSCA added that the updates will “provide more seamless integration and interoperability between the PAF and the US Air Force in combat operations, exercises, and training, and refurbishment will extend the aircraft life through 2040 while addressing critical flight safety concerns”.
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