December 11, 2025
ISLAMABAD – The package deal consists of Hyperlink–16 methods, cryptographic gear, avionics updates, coaching, and complete logistical help.
The DSCA letter makes clear the rationale for the sale, stating that it “will help the international coverage and nationwide safety goals of the US by permitting Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and associate forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.”
The proposed sale can be aimed toward modernising Pakistan’s F-16 fleet and addressing operational security issues. The letter notes that it’ll “preserve Pakistan’s functionality to satisfy present and future threats by updating and refurbishing its Block–52 and Mid Life Improve F–16 fleet.”
These updates will present extra “seamless integration and interoperability between the Pakistan Air Pressure and the US Air Pressure in fight operations, workout routines, and coaching, and refurbishment will prolong the plane life via 2040 whereas addressing important flight security issues,” the letter provides.
The letter additionally emphasises Pakistan’s readiness to soak up the expertise, stating that the nation “has proven a dedication to sustaining its army forces and can have no problem absorbing these articles and providers into its armed forces.” It additionally addresses regional issues, asserting that “the proposed sale of this gear and help won’t alter the essential army steadiness within the area.”
Lockheed Martin Firm of Fort Price, Texas, will function the principal contractor for the sale. The US defence company identified that “implementation of this proposed sale won’t require the task of any extra US Authorities or contractor representatives to Pakistan” and that there might be “no hostile affect on US defence readiness because of this proposed sale.”
The full estimated worth of the sale is $686 million, with main defence gear valued at $37 million and different objects at $649 million. The most important defence gear (MDE) element consists of 92 Hyperlink–16 knowledge hyperlink methods and 6 inert Mk–82 500-lb basic goal bomb our bodies; the latter can have no explosive payload and might be used for weapons integration testing.
Hyperlink-16 is a complicated command, management, communications and intelligence system. It’s a safe, real-time communication community that shares tactical knowledge amongst allied forces and is utilized by US and allied Nato forces. The system can be immune to digital jamming from enemy air and floor property.
“It supplies the warfighter key theatre features corresponding to surveillance, identification, air management, weapons engagement coordination, and route for all providers and allied forces,” the letter learn.
The remainder of the deal consists of $649m value of non-MDE gear, together with the AN/APQ–10C Easy Key Loaders and AN/APX–126 Superior Identification Pal or Foe system — used to determine hostile and allied plane.
It additionally consists of {hardware} and software program modifications to help the Operational Flight Program and mandated avionics updates, in addition to KY–58M and KIV–78 cryptographic appliqués, that are Nationwide Safety Company (NSA)-certified modules utilized in army plane and different tactical methods for safe communications and identification.
The gear additionally covers extra safe communications, precision navigation and cryptographic units, Joint Mission Planning Methods and help, Frequent Munitions Constructed-in-test Reprogramming Tools, and ADU–981 missile adaptor models.
Different weapons integration, take a look at and help gear, spare and restore components, software program supply and help, publications and technical documentation, full movement simulators, personnel coaching, and coaching gear are additionally included.
The package deal may even present Pakistan with US authorities and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics help providers, research and surveys, and different associated components of logistical and program help.
Pakistan had requested upgrades to its F-16 fleet in 2021 amid strained relations, however Washington delayed its response. The nation is now much less depending on the F-16s, having acquired and collectively developed different platforms, which proved their value in the course of the Might 2025 air warfare by inflicting vital injury on the Indian fleet.
“Pakistan nonetheless welcomes the US supply, as it is going to improve the shelf lifetime of its F-16s till 2040,” a diplomatic supply stated.
The DSCA letter, despatched to the Speaker of the Home and the chairmen of the related congressional committees, concludes that the sale “will help the international coverage and nationwide safety goals of the US” whereas making certain that Pakistan can proceed to function its F-16 fleet safely and successfully.
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