In a significant development, the Pentagon confirmed on Wednesday that the US State Department has approved the potential sale of F-16 fighter aircraft sustainment and related equipment to Pakistan in a transaction valued at up to $450 million.
The decision was made in response to Pakistan’s request to “consolidate previous F-16 sustainment and support cases to assist the Pakistan Air Force F-16 fleet by minimising duplicate case activities and adding additional continuing support elements,” according to the statement.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which delivered the necessary certification notifying Congress of this potential sale on Wednesday, announced that Lockheed Martin Corporation will be the prime contractor for the sale valued at around $450 million.
The announcement made it clear that “the proposed transaction does not involve any new capabilities, weapons or ammunition.”
The US agency emphasised, “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by allowing Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.”
The proposed sale won’t have a negative effect on the US military’s readiness, it added.
