US and Pakistani officials opened a new chapter in the partnership between the two countries with the delivery of five new F-16 aircraft to the Government of Pakistan. The aircraft were inducted into the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) at a ceremony Monday at Shahbaz Air Base near Jacobabad, Pakistan.
"The induction into the Pakistan Air Force of five more advanced F-16, Block 52 aircraft represents the near completion of your Block-52 squadron," said United States Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron P. Munter. "It also manifests the abiding commitment of the United States to Pakistan's national defence."
Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman said, "Pakistan and the United States are friends and partners. Both countries have benefited from each other. " The F-16 Block 52 aircraft represents the latest configuration of Lockheed Martin's 4th generation multirole fighter, offering additional fuel and payload capacity, new or improved avionics and sensors, and colour cockpit displays with enhanced pilot/vehicle interfaces. This is the fourth batch of new F-16s delivered; the first delivery of three took place June 27.-PR