US approves $125mn support for Pakistan's F-16 warplanes

US approves $125mn support for Pakistan's F-16 warplanes

Washington (Agencies): The United States, days after Prime Minister Imran Khan's successful visit to Washington, has approved technical and logistics support for Pakistan's F-16s programme for an estimated cost of 125 million dollars.

a possible Foreign Military Sale to Pakistan for Technical Security Team in continued support of the F-16 program for an estimated cost of 125 million dollars.

According to the Radio Pakistan, the approval to support US-built aircraft was approved by the US State Department and announced simultaneously by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

"The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Pakistan for Technical Security Team (TST) in continued support of the F-16 program for an estimated cost of $125 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on July 26, 2019," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.

"The Government of Pakistan requested a continuation of technical support services; US Government and contractor technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics support to assist in the oversight of operations in support of the Pakistan Peace Drive advanced F-16 program. The total estimated program cost is $125 million," it added.

The statement added that the proposed sales of equipment and support "will not alter the basic military balance in the region."