The United States said yesterday it had approved selling up to eight Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan, along with training, radar and other equipment, worth a total of US$699 million (RM2.9 billion).
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India today summoned US Ambassador Richard Verma and conveyed its “displeasure and disappointment” over Obama administration’s decision. It said it disagrees with the rationale that these arms transfers to Pakistan will help combat terrorism.
“We support the proposed sale of eight F-16s to Pakistan, which we view as the right platform in support of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism and counterinsurgency operations”, a USA government officialcited by DefenseNews said.
United States lawmakers have 30 days to block the sale, although such action is rare since deals are well-vetted before any formal notification.
The Pentagon said the proposed sale improves Pakistan’s capability to meet current and future security threats sand won’t alter the military balance in the region.
They also voiced concern over potential of the Pakistani military to use these F-16s to deliver nuclear weapons in a conflict scenario with India.
“We support the proposed sale of eight F-16s to Pakistan to assist Pakistan’s counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations”.
According to the U.S. state department, the sale is aimed at bolstering Pakistan’s counter terrorism capabilities – an argument India has refused to buy.
India had quietly lobbied against the sale in Washington for months, and had earned support from several key Congressmen who pointed to fears that Pakistan was still aiding terror groups like the Haqqani network – which has targeted several Afghan and Indian installations in Afghanistan.
Obama administration has made a decision to go ahead with the $ 700-million deal despite strong opposition from lawmakers.
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” meet regular coaching needs It’ll boost the quantity of plane open to the Pakistan Airforce to maintain procedures and assistance move instruction for pilots a new comer to the Stop-52. Pakistan will have no difficulty absorbing these additional aircraft into its air force”, the statement said. Find us on Facebook too!
