$5 billion deal: Notification of 36 new F-16s

[Abbas Ali]

WASHINGTON, Jun 29 (APP)-Reaffirming resolve to meet Pakistan’s “legitimate defense requirements,” the U. S. administration Wednesday transmitted to Congress its intention to sell “18 new F-16 aircraft, with an option for an additional 18 new aircraft.”

A State Department official told APP that the approximate value of the proposed package comes to $ 5 billion. This includes, U.S. support package for upto 26 used F-16s and munitions package, and upgrade package for Pakistan’s current fleet of 34 F-16s, and logistical support.

The State Department official said: “we formally notified to U.S. Congress yesterday about our intent to sell F-16 aircraft to Pakistan.”

“This sell is part of a larger effort to broaden our strategic partnership with Pakistan and advance our national security and foreign policy interests in South Asia.” The official added, “Pakistan is a long-term partner and major non-NATO ally of the United States.” “Since 2001, the United States has provided military equipment to Pakistan in support of the global war on terrorism, and Pakistan’s legitimate defense requirements.”

“The proposed sell includes 18 new F-16 aircraft with an option for an additional 18 new aircraft. Our support package for upto 26 used F-16s and munitions’ package, and upgrade package for Pakistan’s current fleet of 34 F-16s and logistical support- and, the value of the proposed package is, approximately, 5 billion dollars.” Earlier, a Pakistan Embassy source said “it’s a revised package, official notification about which has been made to U.S. Congress.”

The U.S. made a formal offer to Pakistan to purchase as many F-16s as it required, on March 25, 2005. Pakistan welcomed the liberal and considerate U.S. offer. It, however, delayed putting forth an order, since the Government announced according it’s first priority to relief and rehabilitation work, in the wake of devastating October 8 earthquake which hit Pakistan’s eight northern districts and Kashmir.

Sources have expressed their confidence that U.S. Congress would extend approval to the proposal, to affirm confidence in Pakistan’s capable determination and demonstration in pursuing the ongoing global war on terrorism, as a key ally of the United States.

Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

[Moin]

Yup and we're going to be the ones paying for those a/c in the form of every conceivable tax they can think of.

[Gulistan]

Yup and we're going to be the ones paying for those a/c in the form of every conceivable tax they can think of.

Not really, quite a bit if it will be paid from the military grant the USA gives.

For all those who doubt the need for a strong defence, think Kuwait