US Approves $686 Million F-16 Upgrade Package for Pakistan Air Force

The United States has approved a $686 million upgrade package for the Pakistan Air Force’s F-16 fleet, according to a letter from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to Congress. The proposed sale follows recent engagements between President Donald Trump, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, signaling a potential warming of US-Pakistan relations.

The DSCA notification initiates a 30-day Congressional review period, during which US lawmakers are expected to discuss and evaluate the proposed F-16 upgrades. According to the agency, the sale will support US foreign policy and national security objectives by allowing Pakistan to maintain interoperability with US and allied forces in ongoing counterterrorism operations and future contingency missions.

The upgrade package includes Link-16 systems, cryptographic equipment, avionics enhancements, training programs, and comprehensive logistical support. Link-16 is a secure, encrypted tactical data-link network widely used by NATO and approved partner nations, enabling real-time sharing of tactical information among military aircraft, naval vessels, and land units.

The DSCA emphasized that the upgrades will modernize and refurbish Pakistan’s Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) F-16 fleet, enhancing its ability to respond to current and emerging threats. The improvements are expected to extend the aircraft’s operational life through 2040, improve flight safety, and ensure seamless integration and interoperability with the US Air Force during combat operations, exercises, and training. The agency also noted that Pakistan has demonstrated the capacity to maintain its defense assets and will be able to effectively integrate the upgraded systems into its armed forces.