Pakistan likely to get F-16s from elsewhere upon US refusal for funding

The US government recently decided to halt its funds to Pakistan for buying the eight F-16s under a deal that was worked out in February. Now in response to that decision, prime minister’s advisor on foreign affairs, Sartaj Aziz cautioned US that Pakistan will get F-16s from some other country if US stops the funding.

Earlier, an understanding had been reached between both the countries for the sale of eight F-16 planes under a subsidized price. According to the terms of that deal, Pakistan was required to pay about $270 million from its national funds, while the US was supposed to provide the difference from its Foreign Military Financing (FMF) fund. In this way, Pakistan is now faced with a decision to pay two and a half times the price of what was agreed earlier.

Aziz further added that Pakistan did value F-16s for their effectiveness but said that they can be easily replaced by JF-17 Thunder jets. These jets are to be used in anti-terrorism campaigns, for which Pakistan is an ally of the US. Previously, Pakistan bought JF-17 Thunder jets from China.

The foreign affairs advisor also expressed his concern over India’s growing military power in the region and said that if it is not curtailed, then Pakistan will be ‘forced to increase its strategic power’ too.

“The international community should avoid steps which may disturb the strategic balance in South Asia”, Aziz cautioned.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=52850

Posted by fatimaarshad on May 3 2016. Filed under Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.