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The administration of President Donald Trump has formally notified the US Congress of a proposed foreign military sale to Pakistan valued at $686 million (approximately ₹5,800 crore).
The package, focused on upgrading and sustaining the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) fleet of F-16 fighter jets, is likely to generate significant debate among American lawmakers and will be watched closely by defence planners in New Delhi.
The notification, issued by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), initiates a mandatory 30-day legislative review period.
In formal correspondence addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman James Risch, and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, the agency confirmed the US Air Force’s intention to issue a Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the equipment and services.
Details of the Upgrade Package
The proposed deal is split between $37 million in Major Defence Equipment (MDE) and $649 million in supporting hardware, software, and logistics.A central component of the MDE list is the provision of 92 Link-16 tactical data link systems. Link-16 is a standardized, jam-resistant military network used by the US, NATO, and other allied nations.
It allows military assets—such as aircraft, ships, and ground forces—to exchange real-time tactical information, offering a comprehensive picture of the battlefield. The inclusion of this technology aims to enhance the PAF's ability to communicate securely during joint operations.
Additionally, the package includes six Mk-82 inert 500-pound bomb bodies. These are unguided, low-drag munitions devoid of explosives, intended strictly for training, systems integration, and release testing rather than combat use.
The broader non-MDE portion of the sale covers a wide array of sustainment items, including:
- Avionics and software upgrades.
- modifications to the Operational Flight Program.
- Secure communications and cryptographic equipment.
- Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems.
- Mission-planning systems, simulators, and spare parts.
- Engineering and logistical support services provided by US contractors.
Strategic Justification and Timeline
In its policy justification to Congress, the Trump administration argued that the sale supports US foreign policy and national security objectives.The primary rationale provided is to ensure Pakistan retains interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
The upgrade is designed to modernize Pakistan's existing fleet of F-16 Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) aircraft.
According to the notification, the refurbishment will address critical flight safety concerns and extend the operational service life of these fighter jets through 2040.
Lockheed Martin, based in Fort Worth, Texas, has been designated as the principal contractor for the programme.
Regional Implications
Aware of the sensitivities in South Asia, particularly Indian concerns regarding US military aid to Pakistan, the notification included specific language addressing the regional power dynamic.The administration asserted that the proposed sale "will not alter the basic military balance in the region."
Historically, India has objected to US F-16 sustainment packages for Pakistan, arguing that the aircraft are primarily deployed to counter Indian defence capabilities rather than for counterterrorism operations.
The F-16 remains a staple of the Pakistan Air Force's aerial combat capability, and any enhancement to its avionics or network-centric warfare capabilities (such as Link-16) is monitored keenly by the Indian Air Force.
Next Steps
The proposal now enters a 30-day congressional review window.While arms transfers to Pakistan have frequently attracted bipartisan scrutiny on Capitol Hill due to concerns over regional stability and nuclear proliferation, similar sustainment notifications in recent years have generally advanced without a formal resolution of disapproval blocking the sale.
The US government noted that it does not foresee any impact on its own defence readiness and does not expect to deploy additional US personnel to Pakistan to implement the programme.
