Pakistan gets two upgraded F-16s

  • Published
  • By G. A. Volb
  • Ogden Air Logistics Center Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFPN) --  In the early 1980s, the Pakistan air force received its first F-16 Fighting Falcons from the United States. Since then, the maintenance support for the jets has been as unpredictable as world politics.

It wasn't until late 2003 that the U.S. government agreed to assess Pakistan's F-16 fleet and suggest upgrades, including spares and other support requirements.

Today, it's an important relationship, given the global war on terror and Pakistan's crucial role geographically and militarily in support of U.S. national security interests.

Carlos Romero, a 508th Fighter Sustainment Group F-16 logistics management specialist here, said the relationship has grown to the point where Congress approved the delivery of two more F-16s to Pakistan -- for free.

Two complete fighters with the latest avionics and mechanical upgrades left Hill Dec. 8 en route to Pakistan.

"Essentially, we reconfigured the aircraft to meet the current baseline for Pakistan, which is well above that of the early 90s aircraft currently sitting on their ramps," said Thomas Hutchinson, the F-16 maintenance planner for the 309th Aircraft Maintenance Group.

Mr. Hutchinson said the jets have a new anti-skid system, radio upgrades and the Pakistani national colors and emblems.

"If I had to compare them to their current fleet, I'd have to say they're going to be extremely happy to have these two jets," Mr. Hutchinson said.

Both aircraft are the product of the Department of Defense’s Excess Defense Articles program, or EDA. He said Air Force pilots flew the jets to Pakistan.

EDAs are defense items no longer needed by the U.S. armed forces. Mr. Romero said the items may be made available for sale under the Foreign Military Sales Program or as a grant to eligible foreign countries under the provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act.

The jets were a grant to Pakistan for supporting U.S. efforts in the war on terrorism, he said.

Mr. Romero said the trip took four days. The planes were not officially turned over until the Pakistanis signed for them and their national colors unveiled.

"We looked forward to the arrival of these two aircraft," said Pakistani air force Lt. Col. Mujahid Khan.