US approves $450 million F-16 fleet sustainment programme to Pakistan | World News

Reversing the choice of its predecessor, the Biden Administration has accredited a whopping USD 450 million F-16 fighter jet fleet sustainment programme to Pakistan.

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As a notification to the US Congress, the State Division has made a dedication approving a potential international army sale of F-16 case for sustainment and associated tools for an estimated value of USD 450 million, arguing that it will maintain Islamabad's functionality to satisfy present and future counterterrorism threats by sustaining its F-16 fleet.

The Protection Safety Cooperation Company delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this potential sale on Wednesday.

First main safety help to Pakistan after Trump ceased it in 2018

That is the primary main safety help to Pakistan after Trump in 2018 had introduced to cease all protection and safety help to Pakistan alleging that Islamabad was not a associate in its battle in opposition to terrorism.

“The USA Authorities has notified Congress of a proposed Overseas Army Gross sales case to maintain the Pakistan Air Drive’s F-16 programme. Pakistan is a vital counterterrorism associate, and as a part of longstanding coverage, the USA gives life cycle upkeep and sustainment packages for US-origin platforms,” a State Division spokesperson mentioned.

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“Pakistan’s F-16 programme is a vital a part of the broader United States-Pakistan bilateral relationship. The proposed sale will maintain Pakistan’s functionality to satisfy present and future counterterrorism threats by sustaining its F-16 fleet. The F-16 fleet permits Pakistan to assist counterterrorism operations and we anticipate Pakistan to take sustained motion in opposition to all terrorist teams,” the spokesperson additional mentioned in response to a query.

Based on the Congressional notification, the proposed sale doesn't embody any new capabilities, weapons, or munitions.

It mentioned that Pakistan has requested to consolidate prior F-16 sustainment and assist instances to assist the Pakistan Air Drive F-16 fleet by lowering duplicate case actions and including further continued assist components.

The USD 450 million international army sale to Pakistan participation in F-16 Plane Structural Integrity Programme, digital fight worldwide safety help programme, worldwide engine administration programme, engine part enchancment programme, and different technical coordination teams; plane and engine hardware and software program modifications and assist and plane and engine spare restore/return components.

‘Companion forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts’

The Pentagon mentioned this proposed sale will assist the international coverage and nationwide safety aims of the USA by permitting Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and associate forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.

“The proposed sale will proceed the sustainment of Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, which enormously improves Pakistan’s means to assist counterterrorism operations by way of its strong air-to-ground functionality. Pakistan may have no problem absorbing these articles and providers into its armed forces,” it mentioned.

Based on the Congressional notification, the proposed sale of this tools and assist won't alter the essential army steadiness within the area.