Pakistan is in negotiations with the United States to get more Lockheed Martin F-16s over and above what it already has on order, while at the same time it develops its defence manufacturing capability to reduce its reliance on the US.
"We have plans to have more F-16s and are negotiating with the US government for more," says Air Chief Marshall Rao Qamar Suleman, Pakistan Air Force Chief told Aviation Week correspondent Leithan Francis in Melbourne, where he is attending an Air Chiefs' conference.
Asked how many more aircraft Pakistan wants, he declines to specify the number on grounds that "we are still in process of negotiations. It depends in what form and time frame." In 2006 US Congress agreed to give Pakistan 28 F-16C/Ds under an excess-defence articles scheme. Pakistan recently received first 14.
Pakistan has a total of 63 F-16s, of which 45 are A/Bs & 18 C/Ds. ACM Rao says all A/Bs are to undergo a midlife upgrade and become C/D aircraft "close to block 50" standard. Pakistan is an ally of US, it is also an ally of China. Pakistan produces JF-17 fighters at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in Kamra, near Islamabad. JF-17 is a fighter jointly developed by China and Pakistan. ACM Rao says since becoming PAF Chief, he made concerted effort to increase manufacturing capability of Pakistan's defence industry.
It is important because the country has in past been subject to sanctions and embargoes, including by US over its nuclear weapons efforts. He says Pakistan will have second squadron of JF-17s enter operation at end of March while simultaneously phasing out all of its Nanchang A-5s. The A-5 is a ground attack aircraft from China that was first produced in 1969.
Another major requirement that Pakistan has is for UAVs. It already has Italian Selex Galileo Falco UAVs. ACM Rao says Pakistan has reached an agreement with the company whereby some Falcos will be made in Pakistan for local market and export. Production will start in Pakistan this year. He says UAVs made in Pakistan will be for reconnaissance and surveillance, mostly of areas where insurgents and terrorists may be hiding.
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