The United States has approved a $488 million agreement aimed at providing long-term support to Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, marking a significant step toward enhancing the operational capability of these combat aircraft. The F-16 Fighting Falcon jets, which have long been a key part of aerial patrol operations, will receive improved maintenance, spare parts, and technical assistance to ensure they remain mission-ready for years.
Under the deal, the US Air Force has awarded a major contract to Northrop Grumman for ongoing engineering and technical support of F-16 radar systems. Pakistan is among several countries included in this program.
The contract, structured as a fixed-price, indefinite-delivery and indefinite-quantity agreement, focuses on maintaining APG-66 and APG-68 radar systems installed in the jets. The work will be conducted in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, and is expected to continue until March 31, 2036, reflecting a long-term commitment to sustaining fleet readiness.
This initiative falls under the Foreign Military Sales program and includes multiple allied nations such as Bahrain, Egypt, Greece, Jordan, South Korea, Pakistan, and others.
The contract was issued on a sole-source basis by the US Air Force Lifecycle Management Centre in Utah, with an initial funding allocation of $2.64 million for fiscal year 2026 from Air Force and Navy budgets.
The agreement highlights Washington’s continued efforts to maintain the operational readiness of F-16 fleets among partner countries. It follows another major development in December 2025, when the Defense Security Cooperation Agency informed Congress about a proposed $686 million upgrade package for Pakistan’s fleet, further strengthening defense cooperation.
That proposed package includes advanced Link-16 systems, secure communication tools, avionics upgrades, pilot training, and logistical support, aimed at improving coordination between Pakistan, the United States, and allied forces in counterterrorism and joint missions.
These upgrades are expected to extend the service life of Pakistan’s F-16 aircraft until 2040, while also boosting their safety and combat performance.
Officials familiar with the matter said Pakistan has welcomed the continued US support, noting that the F-16 fleet remains vital for maintaining operational effectiveness and alignment with allied defense systems.
Pakistan originally acquired F-16 jets in the 1980s as part of a defense partnership with the United States, significantly enhancing its air combat capabilities. Although cooperation faced setbacks in the 1990s due to US sanctions, relations improved after 2001, leading to renewed deliveries and upgrade programs. Since then, Pakistan has continued to receive maintenance and support to keep its fleet fully operational.
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