A Pakistani request to procure F-16 fighters from the United States through the Foreign Military Sales program has received U.S. State Department approval.
The proposed deal for eight fighters — together with other equipment, training, and logistics support — is worth an estimated $699.04 million.
"The proposed sale improves Pakistan's capability to meet current and future security threats," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in its notification to Congress. "These additional F-16 aircraft will facilitate operations in all-weather, non-daylight environments, provide a self-defense/area suppression capability, and enhance Pakistan's ability to conduct counter-insurgency and counterterrorism operations."
DSCA manages the FMS program.
The fighters Pakistan requested would be C and D models with with the F100-PW-229 increased performance engine. Included in the deal would be Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing systems, AN/APG-68(V)9 radars, and ALQ-211(V)9 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites.
Spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, and logistics would also be part of the proposed sale.
