US OKs Pakistan F-16 fleet sustainment deal

The US State Department has approved the potential foreign military sale of F-16 equipment and support services to the government of Pakistan.

With an estimated cost of $450 million, the potential deal will allow the US to provide contractor engineering, and technical and logistics services for the nation’s fleet of F-16 fighter aircraft.

The US will enroll the entire fleet in the F-16 Aircraft Structural Integrity Program and the Engine Component Improvement Program.

The fleet will also undergo aircraft and engine hardware modifications, classified and unclassified software support, and technical calibrations.

However, the State Department clarified that the potential sale would not include integrating or supplying new capabilities, weapons, or munitions.

“The proposed sale will continue the sustainment of Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, which greatly improves Pakistan’s ability to support counterterrorism operations through its robust air-to-ground capability,” the press release states.

“Pakistan will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”

The principal contractor for the support and sustainment service is Lockheed Martin.