US approves possible sale of F-16 equipment

WASHINGTON The Biden administration has approved the possible trade of F- 16 aircraft sustainment and affiliated outfit to Pakistan for a cost of 450 million bones.

Pakistan's F-16 fighter jet.— Photo: file

 The deal falls under the Foreign Military Deals programme that was suspended by former US chairman Trump in early 2018. The reversal of the Trump- period decision by the Biden administration comes a time after the US has withdrawn its forces from Afghanistan and acknowledges Pakistan’s help in emptying its labor force. 

A State Department prophet verified to The News that the US government has notified Congress of a proposed Foreign Military Deals case to sustain the Pakistani Air Force’s F- 16 programme. 

 “ Pakistan’s F- 16 programme is an important part of the broader US- Pakistan bilateral relationship. The proposed trade will sustain Pakistan’s capability to meet current and unborn counterterrorism pitfalls by maintaining its F- 16 line, ” the State Department said, adding that the proposed trade would insure Pakistan retains interoperability with the US and mate forces. 

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the needed instrument, notifying Congress of the possible trade. The announcement informed the US lawgivers that the State Department has approved the FMS to Pakistan of F- 16 case of sustainment and affiliated outfit for an estimated cost of 450 million bones 

 Pakistan’s government had requested to consolidate previous F- 16 sustainment and support cases to support the Pakistan Air Force F- 16 line by reducing indistinguishable case conditioning and adding fresh uninterrupted support rudiments, according to the announcement. 

 Still, it clarifies that the proposed trade doesn't include any new capabilities, munitions, or munitions. Also, that the proposed trade of the outfit and support won't alter the introductory military balance in the region. 

 The proposed trade will continue the sustainment of Pakistan’s F- 16 line, which greatly improves Pakistan’s capability to support counterterrorism operations through its robust air- to- ground capability. “ Pakistan will have no difficulty absorbing these papers and services into its fortified forces, ” it stated.