ISLAMABAD, Dec.
31 (UPI) --- The government of Pakistan is in the process of
securing a deal with the U.S. government for the delivery of new F-16
fighter jets.
The deal was
discussed by Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, who
confirmed to local media outlets at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex
that officials are in talks. The announcement came during the rollout
ceremony of the 16th JF-17 Thunder aircraft.
"We are in
talks with U.S. defence officials to get some latest F-16s but the
deal may take some time," Aman said.
Aman did not
disclose the number of aircraft to be procured. Pakistan's Air Force
already includes over 70 F-16s, in addition to dozens of Chinese and
French attack aircraft. The United States has been selling the
fighters to the country since the two governments inked a deal in the
1980s.
While U.S.
lawmakers have been critical of arms sales to Pakistan, Defense News
reports there is an interest in maintaining the relationship to keep
the F-16 production line open. With the U.S. Department of Defense
moving forward with its next-generation F-35 Lightning II program,
which is meant to replace the F-16 fleet, the F-16 program is relying
on exports and no longer enjoys domestic demand.
Pakistan's
potential procurement of F-16s is part of its effort to modernize its
fleet, which includes aging models such as the Mirage III/5. Pakistan
hopes to replace its older generation jets by 2020.
No comments:
Post a Comment