By Admin 
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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