America has approved to sell modern technology and assistance worth $686 million i.e. Rs 5,800 crore to upgrade Pakistan’s fighter jet F-16. America’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has sent a letter in this regard to the US Parliament and Congress. The US Congress has 30 days to review this proposed sale. However, this step of the Trump administration has increased the stir at the global level. Besides, keeping in mind the concerns of India, it was also said in the letter that this deal will not have any impact on the military balance of the region.

According to the report of Pakistani newspaper Dawn, this package includes Link-16 data link system, cryptographic equipment (secret code), avionics updates (electronic systems of the aircraft), pilot training and logistical support. With this package, the lifespan of the aircraft will increase by 15 years i.e. the lifespan of the weapons will increase by 2040.

DSCA has informed House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman James Rish and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast in this regard. The agency said in the letters that the US Air Force is going to issue a ‘Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for defense materials and services worth about $ 686 million to Pakistan, the estimated cost of which is $ 686 million.

It is clearly stated in the DSCA letter that this deal will support America’s foreign policy and national security. With this, Pakistan will be able to continue working with American and allied forces in anti-terrorism operations.

This package includes Major Defense Equipment (MDA) worth $37 million and additional hardware, software and logistical support worth $649 million. 92 links-16 technical data link systems are also included in the MDA list. It is a jam-resistant digital network used by US and allied forces to share battlefield information in real time. Also included are six MK-82 inert 500-pound bomb bodies, which are unguided and low-drag training weapons. These are specifically used for integration and release testing.

According to the notification, the deal also includes a variety of non-MDA items, including avionics updates, operational flight program modifications, secure communications systems, identification friend or foe equipment, cryptographic applique, mission-planning systems, test equipment, spare parts, training devices, simulators, publications, and contractor engineering and logistics support.

The administration said these upgrades will help Pakistan modernize its Block-52 and mid-life upgrade F-16 fleet and ensure compatibility with US and partner forces. Keeping in mind India’s long-standing concerns, the notification also made it clear that this sale will not change the basic military balance in the region.

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Deal discussion after Trump Shahbaz and Aimsim meeting

The deal came out a few days after the meeting of US President Donald Trump, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir. During the meeting, Trump had said that he has played a role in reducing the increasing tension between India and Pakistan. Defense experts believe that the contract indicates new strategic proximity between Pakistan and the US. The US can try to balance the influence of China and Russia through this deal.

Speculation about upgrade of f-16 fighter jets

After this missile deal, it is being speculated that Pakistan can upgrade its F-16 fighter jet fleet. According to the Express Tribune report, the AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles can be used with F-16 aircraft. During the air clashes between India and Pakistan in February 2019, Pakistan used this missile on Indian aircraft. Now this deal is being considered another major step towards increasing the capacity of F-16 aircraft.

AIM-12C8 missile technical capacity

AIM-12C8 is the new version of the US AIM-120D missile. It is a medium -range air -to -air missile, which now makes RTX Corporation.

The main features of this missile are as follows:

• Range: From 160 to 180 km, the launch depends on the platform.
• Speed: Mac 4 is about four times faster than the voice speed.
• Guidance: Active radar homeing system, which helps in the exact target.
• Capacity: Can target several air goals simultaneously.

The missile is useful in aircraft like F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, Eurofighter Typhoon, Greepen, Tornado and F-35. Apart from this, it is also used in ground air defense systems like Nasams (National Advanced Surface-to-aair Missile System), which has been adopted by America, Norway, Poland and Ukraine.

What does this deal mean for India?

This potential deal is strategically important for India. It will improve its air power with Pakistan getting AIM-12 missiles and F-16 upgrade. Although India already has an advanced fighter like Rafael and Sukhoi-30 MKI, Meteor missiles are used, but a possible missile deal of Pakistan-American can create new stress in regional power balance.