Pakistan in two minds on buying F-16 jets from US

WASHINGTON: Pakistan is re-evaluating the purchase of eight F-16 fighter jets from the US following a hold on the financing put by US congressmen.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a highly placed official familiar with the ongoing proceedings told The News that the need and preference to buy the jets remain but the deal could only be acceptable if it meets the desired criteria.

The deliberations are caused due to a delay in the offer letter from the US and growing speculations that a hold put by the American lawmakers on the financing of the deal might stay. Pakistan had asked to buy at least eight F-16s, and the negotiations went on for over six months. The Obama administration notified its intent to sell the planes in February but the willingness was halted by a couple of lawmakers.

The effort later failed because the administration called the proposed sale a contribution to foreign policy objectives and national security goals. The official also revealed that the country has already paid about 200 million dollars in lieu of the purchase. The said amount comes in proximity to the cost of two fighter jets. The remaining jets are expected to be on subsidised rates, but a few powerful members of the Congress placed a hold on the financing of the jets. The total cost of the sale nears 700 million dollars.

Pakistan has since been waiting to get a letter of offer from the administration, while the US officials have said that they are in discussions with the Congress to resolve the issue. The finalised sale could increase the number of aircraft available to the Pakistan Air Force to sustain operations, meet monthly training requirements, and support transition training for pilots new to the Block 52.

The offer, according to the Pakistani official, has to be made before August since the administration will get embroiled in the upcoming presidential elections. The official added that if the terms of the contract are different from what Pakistan expects, then the country will opt to go to other countries.