Pakistan’s F-16 Fighter Jets to Be Upgraded; US Moves Ahead with $686 Million Deal

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): The Trump administration has informed the US Congress about a proposed $686 million arms package to upgrade Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets. With this notification, the proposal has entered the mandatory 30-day review period. The decision has triggered global attention and debate.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman James Risch, and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast. In its communication, DSCA stated that the US Air Force is set to issue a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) to Pakistan for defence equipment and services worth approximately $686 million.

The proposed package includes $37 million worth of Major Defense Equipment (MDE) and $649 million in additional hardware, software, and logistical support. The MDE list includes 92 Link-16 Tactical Data Link Systems—jam-resistant digital communication networks used by US and allied forces to share real-time battlefield information.

The package also consists of six MK-82 inert bombs and 500-pound unguided, low-drag training bomb bodies, primarily used for integration and release testing. The notification adds that several non-MDE components are included, such as avionics upgrades, operational flight program modifications, secure communication systems, Identification Friend or Foe equipment, cryptographic applications, mission-planning systems, testing tools, spare parts, training devices, simulators, manuals, and contractor engineering and logistics support.

According to the administration, these upgrades will help Pakistan modernize its Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade F-16 fleet and maintain compatibility with US and partner forces. The deal is expected to support US foreign policy and national security efforts. It will also help Pakistan continue joint counter-terrorism operations alongside the US and allied militaries.

The notification further states that the upgrades will extend the aircraft’s service life until 2040 and address key flight-safety issues. Acknowledging India’s long-standing concerns, the notification clarifies that the sale will not alter the region’s basic military balance. Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas, has been named the primary contractor. US Congress now has 30 days to review the proposal. Although Pakistan’s arms transfers usually face bipartisan scrutiny, similar notifications in recent years have moved forward without formal objections.