PAK’s F-16 will get new life! America approves budget of Rs 5800 crore, life line will increase by 15 years

The US has approved the sale of advanced technology and support worth $686 million (about ₹5,800 crore) to Pakistan for its F-16 fighter jets. According to the Pakistani newspaper Dawn, the American Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) sent a letter to Congress in this regard on December 8. Experts say that such transactions are usually completed without any problems. What is included in this package? The most important part is the Link-16 data link system – a super-secure communications network used by the US and NATO countries to help identify friend or foe, coordinate weapons and share real-time information during combat. It also provides protection against disturbance during wartime. Cryptographic equipment, new avionics (aircraft electronic systems). Pilot training, simulators, parts, software updates. 92 Link-16 systems and 6 inert Mk-82 bombs – for testing purposes only. Aircraft life will be extended by 2040, and flight safety will improve. Why did the US approve the sale? The DSCA letter makes it clear that Pakistan will continue to cooperate with America and its partners in the fight against terrorism. In any major conflict in the future, the Pakistan Air Force will be able to easily coordinate with the US Air Force. This sale will not upset the military balance in South Asia. Pakistan already has F-16, so it will be able to use the new technology easily. Why is this important for Pakistan? Pakistan has about 75 F-16 aircraft (Block-52 and older upgraded versions). In the India-Pakistan aerial confrontation of May 2025, Pakistan mainly used new aircraft such as J-10C and JF-17, but F-16s are still the backbone of its air force. This upgrade will allow the old F-16 to fly for the next 15 years. The Link-16 system will allow Pakistani pilots to communicate directly with US AWACS and fighter jets – giving them a significant advantage in combat. What are India’s concerns? Experts say this is a matter of concern for India. Because sensitive technology like Link-16 will give Pakistan the ability to share information and commands at the US-NATO level. India does not yet have Link-16. We use Russian and Israeli systems. After the Balakot attack in 2019, the US also stopped supplying parts for Pakistan’s F-16s. Now, sudden approval of such a huge package raises many questions. America’s response America says that this sale is only for anti-terrorism efforts and aircraft maintenance. No new weapons or missiles are provided. Apart from this, this agreement will not affect America’s defense readiness. What will happen next? Congress has 30 days to block approval, but such deals usually pass. The contract will be awarded to the American company Lockheed Martin. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2026. Pakistan Air Force is happy that its old F-16 got a new life. India is awake and accelerating work on its Rafale, Sukhoi-30 and the upcoming AMCA project.