Reaffirming resolve to meet Pakistan's “legitimate defense requirements,” the U. S. administration has transmitted to Congress its intention to sell “18 new F16 aircraft, with an option for an additional 18 new aircraft,” Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported from Washington. Quoting a State Department official, the agency said that the approximate value of the proposed package comes to $5 billion. This includes, U.S. support package for upto 26 used F16s and munitions package, and upgrade package for Pakistan's current fleet of 34 F16s, and logistical support. “We formally notified to U.S. Congress about our intent to sell F 16 aircraft to Pakistan,” the State Department official said. “This sale 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.” He said 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 official said. “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 F16s and munitions' package, and upgrade package for Pakistan's current fleet of 34 F16s and logistical support- and, the value of the proposed package is, approximately, 5 billion dollars.”
