F-16 fighter jet. File
| Photo Credit: AP
The United States has approved a major arms deal worth $686 million to provide advanced technology upgrades and sustainment support for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter fleet, while stressing that the move will not alter the regional military balance.
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In a statement, the U.S. Embassy said, “The proposed sustainment deal does not add to Pakistan’s capabilities or change the regional military balance. India is a Major Defense Partner and the U.S. Strategic Partnership is grounded in our shared commitment to the advancement of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, the rule of law, and the promotion of human freedom and dignity.”
Sources confirmed that the Congressional Notification for the package has been sent, signalling the start of the approval process. The deal is not final yet but Congress has been notified of the proposed deal.
According to details of the proposal published in Pakistani media, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) transmitted the proposal to Congress earlier this week. Of the total package value, $649 million is earmarked for avionics enhancements, cryptographic modules — including AN/APX-126 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems — mission-planning tools, spare parts, simulators, training, and contractor logistics support from firms such as Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas.
The proposed sustainment program aims to ensure the continued safe operation of Pakistan’s existing F-16 fleet rather than adding new capabilities or platforms.
In 2022, India raised “strong objections” to the U.S. plan for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) worth $450 million for hardware, software, and spares for the F-16 fighter jet programme with Pakistan.
Published – December 11, 2025 12:54 pm IST
