US Sells F-16s to Pakistan

[Razor61]

Obviously for being on 'our' side in the Afghan campaign, the US has decided to sell the F-16s they have had under embargo for a long time to Pakistan.

Didn't the US sell some of the original Blocks 'for Pakistan' (in storage at AMARC) to another country?

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US 'to offer F-16s to Pakistan'

The United States has decided to approve the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan, Indian officials say.
US President George W Bush told Indian premier Manmohan Singh of the decision in a telephone call at 1345 GMT, Mr Singh's media adviser said.

The adviser, Sanjay Baru, said that Mr Singh had expressed "great disappointment" at the decision.

The premier told Mr Bush it would exacerbate India's security concerns for the region.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice discussed the F-16 issue with Indian officials during her recent visit to the region.

There has been no confirmation of the decision yet from either the US or Pakistan.

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[Ex Douglas Driver]

Yep, NZ was to get their first batch, until a certain Prime Minister ruined for all of us.

I understand that they then went to the US Navy for their aggressor fleet.

[Runaway Gun]

... and a couple went to the USAF for Chase Jet duties at Edwards.

[Gnadenburg]

I think the Americans have approved the sale of F16's to India too. Some news articles are reporting this.

The Indian requirement is for over a 100 F16's!

[Razor61]

F-16s and Su-30's.......interesting fleet...(for the Indians)

Along with the Jaguars, Mig-21s (have they got Lancers or standard Mig 21s?) and Sea Harrier!!!

[Raymond Ginardon]

It was more than a couple that went to Edwards, and they weren't just for chase. Rows of the little Block 10/15 beasties on the line there.

:-)

Ray

[Magoodotcom]

Of the 28 Pakistani F-16s which were stored an AMARC for about eight years, about half went to NAS Fallon for use as Aggressors, a few went to Nellis to fulfil a similar mission for the AF, and I think all five B and one or two A models went to EDW for T&E and chase duties.

As for the Indian AF, the MiG-21s are MiG-21bis models which have been upgraded indigenously with new radars and R-73/77 missiles. Don't forget that, in addition to the MiG-21bis, Su-30K/MKI, Jags and SHARs, they also fly MiG-23s, MiG-27s, MiG-29s and Mirage 2000s. Quite an eclectic mix...must be a loggies nightmare! :}

In recent months India has expressed a preference for a twin engined type or for an aircraft common to existing types, which seems to lean in favour of a MiG-29M or Mirage 2000-5 buy, although India and France have been haggling over the price of new Mirage 2000s for the best part of a decade now! :hmm:

Magoo :ok: