US to Upgrade Pakistan’s F-16 Fleet with $686 Million Package, Raising Concerns in India

Washington, D.C.: The Trump administration is moving forward with plans to upgrade Pakistan’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets, a development that has sparked concerns in India. The proposed $686 million (approx. ₹6,174 crore) upgrade package has been formally notified to the U.S. Congress, triggering a 30-day review period during which lawmakers will examine the proposal.

Details of the Upgrade Package

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) informed the leaders of relevant congressional committees, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman James Risch, and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, about the proposed transfer.

According to the DSCA notice, the package includes:

• $37 million worth of Major Defense Equipment (MDE)
• $649 million in additional software, hardware, and logistical support

The MDE component features 92 Link-16 tactical data link systems, a jam-resistant battlefield communication network used by U.S. and allied forces. It also includes six Mk-82 inert 500-pound bomb bodies for integration and release testing purposes.

Purpose and Strategic Implications

These upgrades are intended for Pakistan’s Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) F-16 jets, enhancing their operational capability and security, and keeping the fleet functional until 2040. The DSCA stated that the proposed sale will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by maintaining interoperability with American and allied forces in counter-terrorism operations. The upgrades are also designed to address flight safety concerns through repairs and modernization.

India’s Concerns

The announcement comes amid ongoing U.S.-India trade negotiations, raising questions in New Delhi about Washington’s simultaneous strengthening of Pakistan’s military capabilities. Observers argue that while the U.S. seeks to engage India economically, the upgrade to Pakistan’s F-16 fleet could alter regional strategic balances and complicate South Asia’s security dynamics.