United States clarifies that the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan is not a signal directed towards India, rather a reflection of Pakistan's neutrality concerning Russia's ongoing conflict.
The Biden administration has made a decision to provide key spares for Pakistan's F-16 fighter jets, a move that has raised concerns in India. This development comes after the Trump administration previously blocked a $450 million program for the maintenance of the F-16s.
The F-16 jets, produced by Lockheed Martin, have a rich history, having flown a total of over 13 million sorties. Over a four-decade period, Lockheed Martin has produced 4,500 of these fighter jets for 25 nations. However, no reliable information indicates any country or countries having purchased over 4,500 F-16 fighter jets in the last four decades.
India, with a significant portion of its military equipment being of Russian-origin, has expressed its concerns over the decision to the US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in a recent call. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared these concerns, emphasizing the importance of clear communication with Indian counterparts regarding the decision on US-Pakistan defense cooperation.
Ely Ratner, Assistant of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, has stated that the decision was not meant as a message to India regarding its relationship with Russia. Instead, he explained that the decision was based on US interests in counterterrorism and nuclear security. He also emphasized that the situation did not involve any upgrades or munitions.
The US has been engaging with Indian officials on the matter, both before and after the news, to preview it and during Ely Ratner's visit with Assistant Lu in Delhi. Ratner also stated that the decision offered an opportunity to hear India's concerns concerning the defense cooperation with Pakistan. Furthermore, he stated that the decision provided an opportunity for a balanced exchange on US reasoning for its limited security collaboration with Pakistan.
It's worth noting that the US Defense Department has not approved any upgrades or munitions for Pakistan's F-16 fleet. Lockheed Martin's F-16 program is still being updated, and it remains to be seen if further decisions will be made in the future.
Over the last few years, India has acquired US devices and aircraft in addition to Russian equipment. This decision by the Biden administration could potentially signal a shift in the US's defense policy towards Pakistan, but further discussions and developments are needed to fully understand the implications.
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