Potential $450 million FMS for Pakistan focuses on F-16 support
Pakistani Air Force F-16. (Photo: PAF)
The Pakistan Air Force F-16 fleet would benefit from a US maintenance and sustainment package.
Lockheed Martin has been earmarked as prime contractor in a potential $450 million FMS deal to consolidate existing F-16 aircraft sustainment for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and add ‘continued support elements’, the US State Department announced on 7 September.
‘The proposed sale does not include any new capabilities, weapons, or munitions,’ the State Department noted.
The potential FMS features participation in F-16 Aircraft Structural Integrity Program, Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program, International Engine Management Program and Engine Component Improvement Program, plus aircraft and engine ‘hardware and software modifications and support’.
The PAF operates the F-16A/B and F-16C/D variants.
A State Department official said: ‘Pakistan is an important counterterrorism partner, and as part of longstanding policy, the United States provides life cycle maintenance and sustainment packages for US-origin platforms.
‘The F-16 fleet allows Pakistan to support counterterrorism operations and we expect Pakistan to take sustained action against all terrorist groups.’
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK company demonstrates crewed-uncrewed teaming]()
UK company demonstrates crewed-uncrewed teaming
QinetiQ's aerial target drone, the Banshee, was modified to be controlled by a piloted aircraft.
-
![Poland and Netherlands approved for hundreds of air-to-ground missiles]()
Poland and Netherlands approved for hundreds of air-to-ground missiles
The AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) is a supersonic, medium-range, air-launched tactical missile compatible with US and allied strike aircraft.
-
![Anduril and GA-ASI propel forward in US Air Force CCA programme’s next phase]()
Anduril and GA-ASI propel forward in US Air Force CCA programme’s next phase
Anduril and GA-ASI have raced ahead in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) initiative, securing contracts with the US Air Force to build production representative flight test platforms.
-
![Another Saab GlobalEye lands in the UAE]()
Another Saab GlobalEye lands in the UAE
The arrival of the latest GlobalEye marked the fourth AEW&C aircraft delivery to the UAE in just four years.
-
![Greece and Israel cosy up over Rafael’s Spyder air defence system]()
Greece and Israel cosy up over Rafael’s Spyder air defence system
Ongoing discussions between Greece and Israeli arms manufacturer Rafael to acquire Spyder air defence systems underscored the resilience of international business ties despite geopolitical tensions.
