Pakistan is seeking to upgrade and bolster its fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters as part of a modernisation plan made possible by its new major non-NATO ally status with the USA.
Industry sources say Lockheed Martin, Pakistan and the USA have begun discussing a mid-life update for Pakistan's existing fleet of 32 F-16A/Bs. Pakistan also hopes to acquire up to 18 used F-16A/Bs from the USA or other operators and in the long-term may revive long-delayed plans to also purchase up to 24 new-generation F-16s.
The proposed F-16 upgrade is the major piece in a revamp of Pakistan's US-made military equipment inventory that will be primarily funded from US aid. Washington has already agreed to give Pakistan six excess Lockheed Martin C-130B transports and there are also talks to provide six additional Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft and an upgrade to the Pakistan army's Bell AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters.
Pakistan has already signed a letter of agreement for the surplus C-130s, which should be delivered by early next year following an aircraft restoration and minor electrical upgrade project led by Lockheed Martin. The Pakistan air force already operates 10 C-130B/Es.
The USA is still waiting for Pakistan to provide a letter of request for the F-16 mid-life update. Sources say it must first decide on a configuration for the aircraft, and then the USA must approve the export of each requested piece of equipment. The two countries must also decide whether some of the work can be sourced locally at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC).
Pakistan, with the help of the PAC, was able to keep its F-16s and Cobras flying throughout a long embargo imposed by the USAafter Pakistan conducted nuclear trials in 1998, but its two P-3Cs had to be grounded. Pakistan is now working on a plan to reactivate the aircraft, along with the six surplus USNavy Orions now on offer.
BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
