F-16 upgrade

December 13, 2025

The United States has approved a 686 million dollar sustainment and upgrade package for Pakistan’s F 16 fighter jets, moving the proposal to the US Congress for mandatory review. Lawmakers now have 30 days to examine the deal, which has drawn attention in New Delhi given the regional security implications.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency formally notified Congress of the planned sale earlier this month. The package includes advanced hardware, software upgrades and support services aimed at extending the operational life of Pakistan’s ageing F 16 fleet. The proposal also covers items classified as Major Defence Equipment under the US munitions list.

The F 16 Fighting Falcon, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is a single engine multirole aircraft that first flew in 1974 and has seen continuous upgrades since. It is used in air to air combat and air to surface missions by the United States and several partner countries. According to Lockheed Martin, 29 nations operate the jet, including Pakistan, Turkiye, Israel, Egypt, Greece, Poland, Taiwan, Singapore and a number of NATO members.

Pakistan is estimated to have between 70 and 80 operational F 16s. These include upgraded Block 15 aircraft, second hand planes previously owned by Jordan, and newer Block 52 plus variants. The fleet forms the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force’s strike and air defence capabilities.

The new package approved by the Trump administration focuses on sustainment rather than expanding the fleet. However, India is expected to monitor the process closely, arguing that F 16 upgrades enhance Pakistan’s combat readiness. Previous US assistance for Pakistan’s F 16s has drawn objections from New Delhi, which says the aircraft have been used in roles that go beyond counterterrorism.

The bill will move forward only after Congress completes its review.