The United States has approved a $686 million package of advanced technology and support for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets.
According to a letter sent by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to Congress on December 8, 2025, the approval was confirmed, as reported by Dawn on December 11, 2025.
The huge backing of $686 million suggests Pakistan needs to replace at least six F-16 fighter jets. This also indicates that more F-16s were destroyed on the ground than reports indicated.
During Operation Sindoor, people inside and outside had been speculating how much damage had the IAF caused in Pakistan. However, now with the approved sale of advanced technology and support for F-16 fighter jets clearly shows that the fleet was damaged by the IAF during Operation Sindoor.
This approval is also a slap on the face of a few international media outlets, which were running fake propaganda against the Indian Air Force’s success.
The US seems to be also playing a blatant double game with India, where they are offering F-35 jets to India while arming the F-16 fleet of the Pakistani Air Force, which is likely to be used against India in the next conflict.
Reasons Behind the Package
If we look into the militarisation in South Asia, the US has always used the fault lines between India and Pakistan to keep the arms race alive in order to sell its weapons. This recent sale package is part of that mission, where Americans want Pakistan to keep using their F-16 fighter jets. This will keep bringing the defence businesses to the US.
The other reason is the geopolitical rivalry between the US and China. Pakistan has always used its geostrategic locations to play with the US and China. If the US fails to give weapons to the US, the Chinese will do. The way they have sailed their J-Series fighter jets to Pakistan. Fearing that, the US keep pumping defence equipment to Pakistan in the name of counterterrorism.
The US also has its eyes set on retaking the Bagram airbase of Afghanistan, and the Pakistani Air force is likely to aid any such moves of Washington by bombarding and attacking Afghanistan much like it did a few weeks back when it targeted Kabul.
The deal may have a major security concern for India and part of a bigger US geopolitical game, but the approval of the advanced technology to Pakistan is the US stamp on the claims made by IAF during Operation Sindoor about downing the F-16 Aircraft.
What the Package Includes
The US package for Pakistan includes Link-16 communication systems, encrypted gear, upgraded avionics, training, and full logistical support. According to the DSCA notification, the sale supports America’s foreign policy and security goals by ensuring Pakistan remains compatible with US and allied forces in counterterrorism operations and future contingencies.
The proposed sale is meant to modernise Pakistan’s F-16 fleet and fix safety issues. The letter explains that the upgrades will help Pakistan keep its Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade F-16s ready for present and future threats. These improvements will allow smoother coordination between the Pakistan Air Force and the US Air Force during missions, exercises, and training. The refurbishment will also extend the jets’ service life until 2040 while addressing important flight-safety concerns.
The DSCA letter further states that Pakistan is capable of absorbing the new technology and has consistently maintained its military equipment. The total package is valued at $686 million, including $37 million for major equipment and $649 million for other support items. The letter concludes that the sale will advance US strategic interests while allowing Pakistan to operate its F-16 fleet safely and effectively.
