Summary
The United States approved a $686 million deal to upgrade Pakistan's F-16 fighter jets. This agreement includes advanced technology and enhancements for the planes. The deal occurs amid ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India, following a recent conflict.
Key Facts
- The U.S. approved a sale to upgrade Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets, worth about $686 million.
- Upgrades include hardware and software for better flight operations and communication systems.
- The deal includes critical military equipment like the Link-16 system for secure communication.
- This upgrade is part of a 2022 maintenance agreement for Pakistan's F-16 fleet.
- Pakistan owns around 70 to 80 F-16s, including upgraded and new models.
- The U.S. believes the F-16 fleet helps in joint counterterrorism efforts in the region.
- The approval was detailed in a report to the U.S. Congress by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
- F-16s are widely used globally, with 29 countries operating the aircraft.
