US approves 10 F-16 to Pakistan
Updated at: 1025 PST, Wednesday, June 04, 2008

WASHINGTON: The United States Congress has agreed to provide ten F-16 fighter planes to Pakistan, which would conclude the deal of twelve F-16 planes.

The first batch of four out of ten F-16 would reach Pakistan during current month whereas four would be provided in July and two would be provided later.

Pakistani diplomatic sources in Washington said that US has promised to give 12 F-16 fighter planes among which two were already given to Pakistan.

Is it really true or I am just day dreaming. Indeed a great breaking news. I was not expecting this at all. Could anyone please put some light on it.

Tried really hard but could not find any independant source.

Check www.jang.com.pk Latest update news section

I know man its on jang but its a Pakistani news group and not an independant source like BBC, CNN, etc.

Does anyone have got the official handouts/bill copies of the US Congress session?

Just for the curiosity we were supposed to be getting 18 c/d barand news block 52 instead of 12 a/b-c/d. What does this all about?

4+4+2=10?????????????

Does not make any sense?

i m tired off .....

US Congress notifies delivery of refurbished F-16s to Pakistan

WASHINGTON, June 4 (APP): The US Congress Tuesday notified delivery of 10 refurbished F-16 fighter aircraft to Pakistan. Of the 12 refurbished planes, Pakistan is getting from the United States, two have already been delivered to it.

The country will receive eight jets over two months, four each in June and July this year, while the remaining two F-16s will be delivered subsequently.

Pakistan is receiving the planes as a major non-NATO ally of the United States and their provision signifies close defence relations between the two countries.

Pakistan also signed an agreement with the United States in 2006 for purchase of 18 new F-16 C and F-16-D aircraft.

http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option...44&Itemid=2


================================================================================


These 12 are not related to the other 18.

Right, we are so happy to beg for a technology growing old by every passing day that it is not even funny! Yeah great achievement!! Just concentrate on JF-17s and J-10s for God sake--these F-16s are a waste of huge money!!

Agreed Bro.

Are these free from 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group AMARG previously AMARC? and will be upgraded later? and pakistan has to pay the upgrades cost. Right?

Pakistan also signed an agreement with the United States in 2006 for purchase of 18 new F-16 C and F-16-D aircraft.

The US Congress Tuesday notified delivery of 10 refurbished F-16 fighter aircraft to Pakistan. Of the 12 refurbished planes, Pakistan is getting from the United States, two have already been delivered to it.

Hold on a minute... I'm losing the plot here... So these 'refurbished' F-16s are separate deliveries from the 18 new Vipers that we are supposed to get?

Just enough planes to bomb the Pathans in NWFP.

Thats what I get from reading the news, words like "give" etc. indicates that these are 10 free F-16s in top of the 18 new one that PAF have bought.
2 F-16s were received for free last year too, and that makes 12 free F-16s in total.

Why are we receiving free F-16s? Are they trying to keep us as US customers instead of turning away from them?

These are F-16 MLU.Their capabilities shud be equal to Block 50/52.

The already given are F-16A MLU .....not F-16 C/D Block 52+.

US Congress has embargoed 26 F-16A/B's 12 are used by the USAF while the other 14 are used by the USN. Isn't it?

Ahh I see... Our own F-16s were also going to get an MLU. That should bring the numbers up somewhat. Add the 18 new Vipers on top of that and you've got your total fleet of F-16s. Of course, disregarding the option of additional 18 new Vipers which PAF hasn't considered.

I think so. They need Pakistan in the long term so pitching such freebies might help their cause.

On a different note, I wouldn't be surprised if PAF goes on a shopping spree here and there for second hand Block 52+ Vipers in acceptable condition. The cost which is a major issue can also be addressed here. Especially considering that many F-16 operators will replace them with JSF etc. in the coming decade or so. Interesting question is which potential countries? PAF is hooked with these machines and who can blame them. I only have one major objection as far as Vipers are concerned. I don't want to see PAF turning into the Egyptian air force... We must be in full control of our assets.

Now thats a little confusing, first two were delivered last year, after which two more were delievered at the end of last year I believe. If we go by what this news clip is saying, then it means;

(32) F-16 A/Bs belonging to the PAF fleet
(12) F-16 A/Bs refurbished by USA
(18) F-16 C/Ds new order by PAF

the total stands at 62 Vipers. Unless ofcourse, these refurbished ones are from the current fleet which were flown over to Turkey for upgrades and these are from the 26 Vipers which are supposed to be given to PAF now.

Bro, don't forget that the new Vipers could very well serve as tech input for our advanced Thunders. That would be our major return of investment. PAF could learn a lot by having these machines in their inventory. The small numbers only make it more appealing. We can argue about the cost though. Also, I wouldn't totally write off the Vipers. These are very capable machines that have proven themselves over the past decade. The fact that many countries are still opting for new F-16s including PAF should be enough indication that it still has growing potential. Another big bonus is the familiarity factor. PAF already has the infra in place to accommodate the Vipers. One less headache. I think that PAF will also upgrade their Vipers with AESA radars in the coming years. That is one major upgrade that'll put the Viper back into business. My only concerns are the strings attached and the likelihood of sanctions. However, these concerns are undone by the aforementioned advantage. To be short, PAF has made the right decision as usual.

You're all confusing yourselves...always.

The PAF ordered 26 used F-16A/Bs in addition to the deal for 18 Block-52+. The 26 used F-16s were in fact the ex-Peace Gate III/IV - i.e. the embargoed 28 F-16s of the 1990s in which 2 were gifted and 2 formally transferred. So at this point the PAF has 36 F-16A/Bs with 24 pending delivery and Congress recently approved the transfer of 10 more - which are the remaining ex-PG III/IV F-16A/Bs in USAF. Know that USAF and USN each got half of the 28 fleet and it was only USAF that agreed to re-transfer its F-16s to PAF - USN has not agreed yet. So in order to make up for the 14 USN F-16s, USAF is offering ex-ANG F-16A/Bs and reportedly used F-16C/Ds to the PAF.

Well, that's something I wasn't aware of... That clears up some confusion. Will PAF pay for these apart from the two that were gifted... Also, in what condition are the 14 USAF and remaining Vipers? Could you shed some light?

Actually the PAF will receive the F-16A/B airframes for free but pay for the MLU upgrades. Same applies for used helicopters, P-3s, C-130s, frigates, etc, their frames/hulls usually come for free but one must pay for their necessary upgrades.

Hmmm, sounds like a reasonable deal... Thanks for the info.

So a good news at least in context of F-16s. We need to get rid of those Mirages and F-7.

most probably we will relieve A5s from our inventory.

Following this thread, Pakistan will get total of 36 (already in operation)+ 24 (F16MLU3s pending) + 18 F16 block52+ = 68 F16s forming 4+ squardons.

Can someone tell the difference in avionics between F16 MLU upgraded and F16 block 52+ ??????

Now thats a little confusing, first two were delivered last year, after which two more were delievered at the end of last year I believe. If we go by what this news clip is saying, then it means;

(32) F-16 A/Bs belonging to the PAF fleet
(12) F-16 A/Bs refurbished by USA
(18) F-16 C/Ds new order by PAF

the total stands at 62 Vipers. Unless ofcourse, these refurbished ones are from the current fleet which were flown over to Turkey for upgrades and these are from the 26 Vipers which are supposed to be given to PAF now.

I think we have missed the most important point i.e; just a month back we saw a poster who had pictures of Pakistani F-16s (through serial numbers) standing on a field in USA .. which we presumed were for MLU as PAF insgina or rather Pakistani flag too was missing from the plane !

I don't remember 2 much but i think they were 4 planes ! I suppose to keep our inventory correct USA will gives us these planes and in return we will keep sending our F-16's for MLU's ...

Chalooo bhai .. Zardari or Nawaz kay ana ka kutch to commission milla !!!

APRROVE APRROOOOVE APRRROVVEE......HUH get a life ppl telll them to DELIVER!!!!!!


since 2001 they are just APRROVING stuff nothing else!!

AOA,

Bro, These f-16s are neither Block 52 nor MLU.

These are F-16s refurbished under Falcon up program which is a minor ugrade as compared to MLU.

I have seen the images of F-16 delivered to Pakistan since 9/11. The MLUs have 4 antennas between the nose and canopy. These are basically IFF antenna just similar to what block 52 has. The F-16s delivered, lack such antennas.

Hopefully, these will be upgraded sometimes.

ALLAH HAFIZ

It's very simple, the embargoed F-16s have been in storage for some two decades, after U.S clearance to sell block-52 c/d models, Pakistan as an intrim measure wanted to supplement with surplus stock some NATO countries were disposing hence the discussions for Belgiums F-16s MLU machines, however since the embargoed aircraft were brand new airframes, upgrading them was a much better option. Until the arrival of the new aircraft, 28 upgraded F-16s are to be delivered, two of which arrived last year, ten to be delivered in current months, while the rest should follow in a year or so. Paralell to this, PAFs own fleet of some 32 A/B models will also be upgraded. The first of new 18 aircraft should start arriving in 2010, with an option for further 18. It's said that the upgrade would bring the older models to near enough Block- 50/52.

This from some one who has named him self after a Pakistani military plane!!!!

i believe they target terrorists.

watch ur language u moron. ur licking there feet for peace deals.

32 F-16A/B existing (MLU in process)
14 F-16A/B embargoed (ex-USAF under delivery with MLU)
18 F-16C/D brand new on order
14 F-16A/B embargoed (ex-USN not under delivery with MLU)
Total=64+14=78

18 F-16C/D more brand new on option
Total=96

Am I right?

These will be 10 F-16 A/B in the original block 15 configuration.
Not a substantial leap for Pakistan technologically but just enough to keep the PAF happy.
if these are "free", I will be surprised.......... I would be wary of the increased pressure of US officials and "concessions" Pakistan has to grant the americans on the "war on terror".
Just note how many "US Officials" have visited Pakistan in the last week with "security" on the agenda.
The price for the F-16s will be the "compromise on soverignty".

The JF-17s probably wont have that many strings attached.
My 2 cents

32 F-16A/B current fleet undergoing MLU process
28 F-16A/B embargoed aircraft under delivery after upgrades ( 2 delivered, 10 due immently, rest to follow )
18 F-16C/D Block-52 on order for delivery commencing from 2010
Total=78

Option for follow on 18 new F-16 C/D
Total=96
With NATO countries disposing their surplus stock, who knows the Mirage 111/ V story may be repeated!

Too little too late if u ask me all these F16s should be operational right now not by 2010.

For the USA the so-called superpower to give its frontline non-nato ally 10 F-16s is a joke.

Too little, too late, and now we have other options and sources.

We have opitions but no balls to materialize those opitions.

yea you're right man. I did not include the 14 ex-USN planes. and i have edited my post as well. thanks for the correction.

32 F-16A/B existing (MLU in process)
14 F-16A/B embargoed (ex-USAF under delivery with MLU)
18 F-16C/D brand new on order
14 F-16A/B embargoed (ex-USN not under delivery with MLU)
Total=64+14=78

18 F-16C/D more brand new on option (if Exercised)
Total=96

A Formidable Force to Face in the Air Battle.

Its exactly because of pessimistic morons like you in charge that these options dont materialize.

The 10 are only part of the 28 agreed, upgrading/rebuilding takes time...... it's not just a service wash!!!!!!

Captain i agree with you but he also has a point to an extend i agree with both of u actually.

Pessimistic??? I don't think so dude!! Tell me something What is the big deal in getting an obsolete technology called F-16s??? If you consider this an achievement I say you are a fool!!

Anyways, here is a PDF file--thanks to PakDef--related to the proposed sale of F-16 jets. Now go to page 34 and read it till page 38 and see what kind of absolute Bull-cra=p is being demanded in return for this sale!! It say Pakistan has basically agreed to US survey teams visiting Pak sites to establish the SCOPE AND SIZE OF USG presence there!!

So for a few lousy, technologically obselete F-16s our government of Freak heads is basically saying yes to all US strings attached with these F-16s!!!! Pathetic!!

Congress--F-16s to Pakistan

To the numbers question:

PAF origninally had 40 F-16 A/B in its possession (not including the 28 embargoed jets). 8 were lost over the years to attrition and combat operations leaving 32 as of 2001 when embargo was lifted. Around that time, the US was said to have replaced the jets lost to attrition bringing the number back up to 40. Last year the US agreed to give 12 refurbished F-16A/B (2 were already given last year, and 10 just approved) bringing the number to 52. PAF is buying 24 refurbished F-16s bringing the number to 76 (unless these 12 are part of the 24 in which case the number would be 64). PAF is also buying 18 new build F-16C/D bringing number to 94 (or 82 depending on the method of aquistion of the 12). It has been said that PAF isnt going to exercise its option for the additional 18 so the number will stay btwn 82-94 F-16A/B MLU and F-16C/D. With this number, it is getting clearer as to why the PAF isnt feeling the need to exercise that extra 18 option (which would cost alot probably). If it did however it would be sitting on 100-112 F-16s which is a very formidable force (hell, even the 82-94 F-16 are quite a number)

PAF will look like the following:
250 JF-17
82-94 F-16 MLU & C/D
minimum of 36 to max of 100 J-10 depending on the authenticity of the reports in the J-10 thread
Backed by Erieye and new Chinese AWAC, not to mention the P-3 "Hawkeye"

368-444 Front line fighters...which looks to be a highly potent fighting force (even 368 is potent force)

These fighters will be backed by an increasingly sophisticated network of ground radars and SAMS aswell as numerous AWACS.

They will be equiped with some of the best weaponry: AIM-120C5, MICA, Sd-10, A-darter, Pl-9C, Aim-9M, JDAM, JASSOW, H2, H4, Raad, etc.

^^^ Tank.. that looks impressive fleet. Also a 36 J10 + 36 Rafale or Typhoon will look even better. As it will enjoy the advantage of Meteor in the inventory.

Thats good news ... so overall we're likely to have :

* 78 - F-16s
* 150 - J-10s
* 250 - JF-17

Thats 478 + front line fighters, which will be backed up by 50-100 F-7 and upgraded Mirage ... so a force of 500 + fighters will do for us.

And don't forget ACM few months ago said we are getting alot more F-16s which the world doesn't know about, maybe we're getting some under the table u never know ...

i hope pakistan will augment this force with a min of 2 J11B strike platforms....

The aquistion of 14 NSAWC Vipers is not final yet, they will be delivered when Navy will sought their replacment or when they will be made excess to the requirments.

Where as these 10 are the stored F-16 Block 15OCU. They were never under USAF service.