US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price has said that the F-16 program will upgrade Pakistan’s F-16 fighter aircraft and maintain its capacity to combat both present and future counterterrorism threats.
On Tuesday, US State Department spokesman Ned Price said, “This is a fleet that allows Pakistan to support counterterrorism operations, and we expect Pakistan will take sustained action against all terrorist groups.”
Price stated this while answering a question from a private TV channel during a weekly press briefing.
He mentioned that Pakistan is an important partner in a number of regards, an important counterterrorism partner.
The spokesperson added that Pakistan is a crucial part of a larger US-Pakistan bilateral relationship and that the planned sale will keep Islamabad’s F-16 fleet operational, preserving its capacity to deal with present and future counterterrorism threats.
Last week, the US State Department has given the go-ahead for the prospective sale of F-16 aircraft sustainment and associated equipment to Pakistan in a transaction worth up to $450 million.
According to a statement by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Lockheed Martin Corporation will serve as the principal contractor.
A press release issued by DSCA stated, “The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Pakistan of F-16 Case for Sustainment and related equipment for an estimated cost of $450 million.”
According to the press release, the package includes engineering, technical, and logistical assistance for Pakistan’s F-16 force from the US government and a contractor.
The announcement also said that Pakistan will not get any additional capabilities, weapons, or ammunition as a result of this deal.
It said that the planned sale will maintain Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, whose strong air-to-ground capabilities significantly enhanced Pakistan’s capacity to assist counterterrorism operations.
Pakistan will have no trouble incorporating these goods and services into its military forces.
It further said that the underlying military balance in the area would not be affected by the proposed sale of this assistance and equipment.
The proposed sale would not have a negative effect on the readiness of the American military, it said.
