Washington: The United States has approved a $686 million package to modernise Pakistan’s ageing F-16 fighter jets, giving Islamabad a significant technology boost amid ongoing counterterrorism cooperation.
The approval, conveyed to Congress by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on December 8, includes a sweeping suite of upgrades — from Link-16 tactical data link systems and advanced cryptographic gear to avionics enhancements, training modules, and long-term logistical support.
According to the DSCA, the move supports Washington’s broader security objectives by ensuring Pakistan remains interoperable with US and allied forces during counterterror operations and future contingency missions. The agency stressed that the package aims to modernise and safeguard Pakistan’s fleet, not to introduce any new combat capabilities.
🚨A timely move after last year’s Sindoor episode, when India and Pakistan traded claims of aircraft losses.
The U.S. has proposed a $686M F-16 upgrade package for Pakistan, including Link-16, new avionics, simulators, and spare parts.
Washington says it enhances counterterrorism… pic.twitter.com/fNLFrAmtGq— Pak-China Today (@PakChinaToday) December 11, 2025
The upgrade will cover Pakistan’s Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) F-16s, extending their operational lifespan to 2040 and addressing key flight-safety concerns. The enhancements are designed to improve joint mission planning, training and real-time battlefield coordination between the Pakistan Air Force and the US Air Force.
Of the total value, $37 million is earmarked as major defence equipment, including 92 Link-16 systems and six inert Mk-82 bomb bodies used strictly for weapons integration testing. The remaining amount covers electronics, maintenance support, mission planning tools, simulators and associated services.
US officials underlined that the sale will not require additional American personnel to be stationed in Pakistan and will have no negative impact on US military readiness.
Lockheed Martin, based in Fort Worth, Texas, has been named the principal contractor for the upgrade.
The notification now moves to a 30-day congressional review window, after which the upgrades can formally proceed unless blocked by lawmakers.
