- Improvements will improve cooperation between two air forces.
- DSCA letter says sale will not change military balance in region.
- Lockheed Martin named prime contractor for F-16 support.
The United States has approved the sale of advanced technology and support services worth $686 million to Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet, 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 goals, stating the sale “will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by allowing Pakistan to maintain interoperability with U.S. and partner forces in the ongoing fight against terrorism and in preparation for future contingency operations.”
The letter notes that the upgrades are intended to modernize Pakistan’s Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade F-16 and meet operational security requirements. According to the letter, the sale will “sustain Pakistan’s ability to meet current and future threats by updating and refurbishing its Block-52 and Mid Life Upgrade F-16 fleet.”
The DSCA adds that the improvements will improve cooperation between the two air forces, saying the updated 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 life until 2040 and address critical security issues.
The document also states that Pakistan is prepared to integrate the systems into its forces, noting that the country “has demonstrated a commitment to maintaining its military forces and will have no problem absorbing these items and services into its armed forces.”
Addressing regional sensitivities, the DSCA says the sale “will not change the fundamental military balance in the region.”
Lockheed Martin, based in Fort Worth, Texas, will serve as the prime contractor. The agency confirms that the implementation will not require additional US government or contractor personnel in Pakistan and stresses 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 inert Mk-82 500-lb bomb pods, which will be used exclusively 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 jamming and, DSCA notes, “provides the warfighter’s key theater functions such as surveillance, identification, air control, weapons engagement coordination and guidance to all services and allied forces.”
The rest of the package includes non-MDE items such as the AN/APQ-10C Simple Key Loaders and the AN/APX-126 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe system, which enables the identification of enemy and friendly aircraft.
