MUSHAF BASE: The United States on Tuesday started long awaited delivery of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan when two of the Fighter Falcons were handed over to Pakistan Airforce.
In the vicinity of city of Falcons - Sargodha, the simple but impressive handing over ceremony was held at the PAF base where two F-16 landed which had directly flown from USA.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmed, US Ambassador Anne W. Peterson, and large number of senior officers of PAF were present to witness the ceremony.
Commander Central Air Command US Airforce Lt. Gen Gary L. North along with his another colleague flew the aircraft and reached here after continuous flight of over 8 hours all across the Atlantic.
This handing over formally kick starts program for delivery of the fleet of a dozen aircraft to Pakistan. These aircraft were manufactured in 1990s and their delivery to Pakistan was stopped following imposition of Pressler amendment. And later, these were given to US Airforce and US Navy.
Talking to APP, Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmed said rest of the fleet comprising 10 aircraft would be given to Pakistan in batches till mid next year. “ These are exceptionally used aircraft and are being given to us at very nominal prices,” he said.
He said this delivery of the aircraft to Pakistan was only possible after hectic sessions of negotiations with the US Airforce. He thanked the chief of US Airforce who graciously made available 12 aircraft for delivery to Pakistan.
In addition to these aircraft, he said efforts are in hand to get lot of 16 aircraft which are in use of US Navy and these are part of those 28 aircraft for which Pakistan had paid the amounts.
In the meantime, he said, offers have been made by the US Administration to get similar number of aircraft being used by US Navy from US National Guards. But, he said these being extensively used aircraft would not be much feasible to induct in PAF’s fleet. However, he said negotiations with the US Navy are on to convince them to spare the lot for PAF.
These 28 aircraft were especially manufactured for PAF in line with its requirements.
Air Marshal Tanvir back in 1990s being the Director Operations at PAF had been engaged in the manufacture of 28 aircraft and now during his term as PAF Chief the deal is being matured after lapse of over 15 years.
“After lapse of over 15 years these aircraft are in home,” he said with jubilation.
Answering a question, he said induction of F-16 to the PAF fleet would considerably enhance the defence capability of the country’s air defenders.
He said that the delivery of new F-16 aircraft to Pakistan which are presently being manufactured would start in next three years.
On the renovation and overhaul of the existing fleet of F-16 aircraft, PAF chief said under Mid-Life Upgradation Program six aircraft of PAF would be overhauled in the US while PAF’s technicians would also be given training for this purpose. “We will make every effort to acquire technical know how ultimately enabling us to undergo overhauls and upgradations of the aircraft indigenously,” he said.
Speaking at the formal handing over ceremony, the US Ambassador Ms. Anne W. Peterson said that it was pleasure for her that she was witnessing the handing over ceremony. “This will go a long way in furthering bilateral ties and relations between both countries are on smooth sail.”
“US is proud to be partner of Pakistan and it will continue to assist Pakistan in furthering its defence capabilities,” she said.
She said supply of F-16 Pakistan is being undertaken in three phased program inclusive of delivery of 28 used aircraft, handing over of new aircraft and upgradation of existing fleet. “Our relations are on sheer values,” she said.
She also appreciated the professionalism of PAF officers and men.
The ceremony was marked by the school children who welcomed both the aircraft while waving the flags of Pakistan and the US.
Later, souvenirs were exchanged to mark culmination of the ceremony.
