US approves $450 million military sales to Pakistan

F.P. Report

WASHINGTON: The United States has approved a potential $450 million sale to provide Pakistan with services to sustain its fleet of F-16 fighter jets, the Pentagon said, on Thursday.

“The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Pakistan of F-16 Case for Sustainment and related equipment for an estimated cost of $450 million,” the Pentagon said in a press release on Wednesday.

The package includes US government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics services to support Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, the release said.

This sale does not provide Pakistan with any new capabilities, weapons, or munitions, the release said.

The Pentagon underscored that this sale is critical for retaining Pakistan’s interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Corp(LMT.N), the Pentagon said. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

The Government of Pakistan has requested to consolidate prior F-16 sustainment and support cases to support the Pakistan Air Force F-16 fleet by reducing duplicate case activities and adding additional continued support elements. Included are US government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics services for follow-on support of Pakistan’s F-16 fleet to include:

— Participation in F-16 Aircraft Structural Integrity Program

— Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program

— International Engine Management Program

— Engine Component Improvement Program, and other technical coordination groups

— Aircraft and engine hardware and software modifications and support

— Aircraft and engine spare repair/return parts

— Accessories and support equipment

— Classified and unclassified software and software support

— Publications, manuals, and technical documentation

— Precision measurement, calibration, lab equipment, and technical support services

— Studies and surveys

— Other related elements of aircraft maintenance and program support.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by allowing Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.

The proposed sale will continue the sustainment of Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, which greatly improves Pakistan’s ability to support counterterrorism operations through its robust air-to-ground capability. Pakistan will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Corporation, Fort Worth, TX. There are no known offsets proposed in conjunction with this sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Pakistan.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law. The description and dollar value is for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.