The US government released $397 million to support Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, as part of a broader $5.3 billion in previously frozen foreign aid. The funds were intended to monitor and maintain Pakistan’s use of US-made F-16 fighter jets, ensuring they are deployed for counterterrorism operations rather than against regional rival India, according to a congressional aide.
For the second time this year, United States has now ratified a $686 million package of advanced technology, equipment, and support for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter aircraft, marking a significant development in defence cooperation between the two countries.
The approval was conveyed through a formal notification from the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to Congress on December 8.
In 2025, the United States provided a total of $1.083 billion to support Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets. This includes $397 million released in February for a monitoring program and $686 million approved last week for advanced technology and support. These contributions strengthen Pakistan’s F-16 fleet and overall air defense capabilities.
Security Aid Prioritized Over Humanitarian Relief
The decision is part of a selective aid unfreezing under the Trump administration’s foreign policy, which prioritized security-related programs while significantly cutting humanitarian assistance. The list of exemptions revealed that while security and defense programs received major waivers, only a fraction of humanitarian aid was approved.
The dispatch of $397 million and now $686 million for Pakistan’s F-16s highlights Washington’s continued military ties with Islamabad, despite past tensions over security cooperation and regional stability.
The funding is all guaranteeing that Pakistan’s fleet remains operational and compliant with US regulations, reinforcing the bilateral counterterrorism agenda.
This move signals a calculated shift in US foreign policy, balancing security interests while maintaining pressure on humanitarian programs—a reflection of Trump’s “America First” approach to international aid.
Read more: JF-17 Thunder, F-16 jets to perform at Champions Trophy opening ceremony
As per the DSCA, the package is designed to extend help to Pakistan to bring modernization and sustain its existing F-16 fleet rather than expand its combat capabilities. The upgrade will focus on
- Improving avionics
- Communication systems
- Flight safety
- Long-term operational readiness
A central component of the package is the Link-16 tactical data link system, a secure, real-time communication network used by the US and allied forces. Link-16 enables aircraft, ground units, and command centres to share battlefield information instantly, improving coordination during joint operations. Alongside this, the package includes cryptographic equipment, upgraded avionics, training modules, and comprehensive logistical support.
US defence giant Lockheed Martin, the original manufacturer of the F-16, will serve as the principal contractor for the project.
The DSCA stated that the sale is consistent with US foreign policy and national security objectives, particularly in supporting counterterrorism cooperation. By maintaining interoperability between the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and US and allied forces, the upgrades are expected to enhance coordination during joint missions, training exercises, and potential future contingencies.
The planned enhancements will apply to Pakistan’s Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) F-16 aircraft, addressing existing flight safety concerns and extending the operational life of the fleet through 2040. Officials noted that Pakistan has demonstrated the technical capacity to absorb and effectively use the advanced systems included in the package.
Of the total amount, $37 million falls under Major Defence Equipment (MDE). This includes 92 Link-16 systems, and six inert Mk-82 bomb bodies, which are going to be utilized for weapons integration and testing purposes. The remaining $649 million covers non-MDE items, such as
AN/APQ-10C Simple Key Loaders and AN/APX-126 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, as well as training and sustainment support.
Importantly, the DSCA emphasized that the sale will not alter the regional military balance and will not require the deployment of additional US personnel to Pakistan. It also confirmed that the transaction will not affect US defence readiness.
All-inclusively, the approval underscores a measured approach to defence engagement, and it is all emphasizing maintenance, safety, and interoperability rather than expansion, while reinforcing ongoing security cooperation between Washington and Islamabad.