The United States on Tuesday started delivery of F-16 fighter aircraft to Pakistan with two of Fighter Falcons handed over to Pakistan Airforce. An impressive handing over ceremony was held at PAF base in Sargodha, where two F-16 landed directly from the US.
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmed, US Ambassador Anne W Peterson and a number of PAF senior officers were present. Commander Central Air Command US Airforce Lieutenant General Gary L North and his another colleague flew two aircraft.
The handing over formally kick starts delivery of fleet of a dozen F-16 aircraft. Manufactured in 1990s their delivery to Pakistan was stopped following imposition of Pressler amendment. Later, these were given to US Airforce and US Navy.
Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmed said rest of 10 aircraft would be delivered in batches till mid next year. "These exceptionally used aircraft are being given to us at very nominal price.' He said delivery of aircraft was only possible after hectic sessions of negotiations with US Airforce. He thanked chief of US Airforce who graciously made available 12 aircraft to Pakistan.
He said efforts were underway to get 16 aircraft in use of the US Navy. These are part of those 28 aircraft for which Pakistan had paid. The Air Force chief said offers were made by US Administration to get similar number of aircraft being used by US Navy from US national guards. He felt these being extensively used would not be much feasible to induct in PAF fleet. Negotiations with the US Navy are on to convince them to spare lot for PAF. These 28 planes were especially manufactured for PAF in line with its requirements. He said delivery of new F-16 aircraft to Pakistan presently being manufactured would start in next three years.
On renovation, overhaul of existing F-16 aircraft, PAF chief said under Mid-Life Upgradation Programme six aircraft of PAF would be overhauled in the US. PAF technicians will also be given training. "We will make every effort to acquire technical know how ultimately enabling us to undergo overhauls and upgradations of aircraft indigenously.'
Anne Peterson said it was pleasure she was witnessing handing over ceremony, which would go long way in furthering bilateral ties and relations between both countries on smooth sail. "Our ties are on sheer values.'
"US is proud to be partner of Pakistan and continue to assist in furthering its defence capabilities.' The supply of F-16 is being done in three phased programme inclusive of delivery of 28 used aircraft, handing over of new ones and upgrading existing fleet, she said.
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