F-16 Block 15MLU/50/52 Fighter

[KashifAsrar]

Bush administration intends to push ahead with F-16 sale to Pakistan


By Chidanand Rajghatta/TNN


Washington: The Bush administration intends to press ahead with its move to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan by addressing Congressional concerns after lawmakers held up the process this week because of proliferation concerns.
“If staff members or members of Congress have concerns about the sale, we are certainly ready to provide more briefings on that, have more discussions with it. They have a say in this,” state department spokesman Sean McCormack said, after senior lawmakers deferred a Congressional hearing scheduled for Thursday that would normally have ratified the administration’s proposal to sell $5 billion worth of arms to Pakistan.
The hearing was postponed after Tom Lantos, a Democratic lawmaker from California, and others expressed concerns about Pakistan allowing China access to the latest technology the jets are expected to have. Some lawmakers are also peeved that the state department did not give adequate notice to the Congress about the sale. Typically, the administration provides Congress an informal “pre-notification” period of 20 days before the formal 30-day notification to consult on the deal.
Unless the Congress objects, the deal goes through.
In this case, the administration formally notified the Congress on June 28, which means lawmakers have until July 28 to consider the deal, about the same window it has to pass the US-India nuclear agreement.
Evidently, the administration hopes to ride the Pakistan arms package on the coattails of the nuclear agreement, which some lawmakers seem to find objectionable. There was no pre-notification.
But McCormack said there have been extensive consultations with the Hill on the F-16 issue. “This isn’t a new topic. As a matter of fact, the consultations have been going on for 14 months, I think, is the right period of time,” he said. Still, the administration would continue to work closely with the Hill, he added. Asked about lawmakers’ concerns about proliferation by Pakistan of the F-16 technology, McCormack said those and “other types of concerns” were taken into consideration in forwarding the proposal to the Hill.
But Congressional sources said lawmakers were surprised by the expansive arms package that included items totally unrelated to the war on terrorism. Most of it is aimed at bolstering Pakistan’s bloated military that typically feels emboldened by such hardware and has in the past used it against India.
According to administration’s proposal, it intends to sell Pakistan 36 latest generation F-16C/D Block 50/52 Falcon fighters built by Lockheed Martin. From all accounts, the package is aimed more preserving jobs in Fort Worth, Texas (where Lockheed Martin manufactures the F-16s) and keeping Pakistan’s military happy, rather than hunting down Osama bin Laden or stabilising the region.
McCormack however insisted that it is the right proposal for Pakistan. “We believe it’s the right proposal for our bilateral relationship as well. And I think that our proposal, this proposal, takes into account not only those bilateral concerns but also regional concerns,” he said.
The senate foreign Relations Committee has also scheduled a classified briefing on the sale next week at which the administration’s rationale for arms supply to Pakistan will come up for scrutiny.
The House committee will hold a public hearing on July 20 after its doubts have been addressed in private. The expectation is that after a little song and dance routine, the sale will go through.

 

[Averroes]

Congressional hearing on F-16 deal delayed

By Our Correspondent

WASHINGTON, July 13 A key congressional panel on Thursday postponed a hearing to review the $5.1 billion US arms package offered to Pakistan.

The 50-member house committee on international relations was due to hear John Hillen, the State Department’s Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs, on Thursday on the deal, which includes new and old F-16 jets and their weapon systems.

The Congress has 30 days to act on the deal which was notified by Pentagon on June 28. If the lawmakers do not raise objections within the stipulated period, the deal will be considered endorsed.

The office of the chairman of the committee, Republican Congressman Henry Hyde, announced that the hearing had been postponed ‘until further notice’ but gave no reason for the delay. The 18-member Senate foreign relations committee has not yet announced a hearing date.

Unless stopped by Congress by July 28, Pakistan will get 36 new F-16C/D fighter aircraft, 200 sidewinder missiles, 200 air-to-air missiles, 500 kits for ground-attack satellite-guided bombs and 36 advanced pilot helmets.

http://www.dawn.com/2006/07/14/top14.htm

 

[Averroes]

US to push F-16 sale to Pakistan

WASHINGTON: The Bush administration plans to push ahead with the proposed sale of F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan despite Indian concerns over its largest $5.1 billion arms package deal with Islamabad.

"Our sale is based on what we think are legitimate needs of Pakistan for defensive purposes. And we proceed on that basis, not on the basis of what other people think or don't think about it," Richard Boucher, assistant secretary Of state for south and central Asian affairs told reporters at a briefing for the foreign media.

Washington had not heard anything from the Indian government about the F-16 deal, he said. "That's up to the Indian government, if you want to ask them their attitude, go ahead."

Foreign relations panels of both houses of the US Congress have scheduled hearings this week to review the F-16 sales after the Bush administration expressed readiness to address any Congressional concerns over it. Unless stopped by the Congress within 30 days, the deal notified by Pentagon on June 28 will go ahead.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1768097.cms

 

[Owais]

$3 billion PAF upgradation plan unveiled

ISLAMABAD (July 18 2006): The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmad, has unfolded a three-year $3 billion up-gradation and modernisation programme of the Pakistan Air Force under which it would get 44 more hi-tech F-16s along with their supporting hardware, weapon system, avionics and back-ups.

He was addressing his maiden news conference at PAF Headquarters here on Monday after taking over command of the Pakistan Air Force in March 2006, and his recent visits to the United States and China for the purchase of hi-tech aircraft and other avionics.

Air Chief Marshal Tanvir said that in order to maintain a minimum credible deterrence in the region, Pakistan is buying 18 F-16s CNB model, block 52 along with very essential hardware and weapons at a cost of $2 billion from the United States.

Additionally, he said there is a requirement to upgrade and enhance the operational capability of the existing 34 F-16s, bought in 1982-83 to a level where they are supportable world-wide otherwise these aircraft would become obsolete operationally and difficult to retain logistically.

He said the US government has agreed to hand over 28 F-16s to Pakistan which were manufactured for Pakistan in 1990s and Pakistan had paid $650 million in advance for these planes, but the US had withheld their delivery imposing sanctions on Pakistan.

He said it was a great diplomatic victory for Pakistan that despite paying back the $650 million advance money, the United States has now agreed to give delivery of these 28 F-16s to PAF at a nominal price after up-gradation of their operational capability.

"Two of these F-16s have already arrived in Pakistan and the rest 26 will join the PAF fleet in about 15 to 18 months", he happily announced.

He said that up-gradation of the existing 32 F-16s and purchase of the 28 old but operationally upgraded aircraft would cost $1 billion, but they would be very effective "key punch" and front teeth of the PAF.

Air Chief Marshal Tanvir said: "These pieces of hardware are not available in the international market, they take time to produce, but when you sign the contract you only pay 5 to 10 percent of the total amount."

He said that 18 new F-16s will take three years to start getting manufactured and being delivered to PAF while the existing 34 F-16s may take 7 to 8 years or may be more for up-gradation and modernisation.

The Air chief said that normally Air Forces of other countries do not retain their aero planes for more than two and a half decades but the PAF is still retaining its three to four decades-old planes. "The Mirages that came in 1967 and 1974 are still the major part of PAF fleet and they shall continue to be on our inventory for a couple of more years", he added.

Speaking about purchase of new F-16s, Air Chief Marshal Tanvir said: "They are vastly different from the old ones; they are bigger in size, carry more fuel; have the ability to carry more weapons, their radars are totally different, their engines are totally new, their avionics are totally new, they have the full capability of fighting in a network centric warfare, they can reach far off distances, and combatible with any hi-tech aero plane in the world today."

The Air chief said: "We are also very much aware of the force multipliers such as air-borne early warning systems and have recently concluded a contract for the purchase of air-borne early warning and remote system.

"In a modest way, we have also signed a small contract to have other force multiplier the air-borne refueler, not only to get that capability but also to provide training to our air and ground crew in that particular regime", he added.

He said: "The ratio of PAF to Indian Air Force (IAF) has traditionally been 1 to three, today we have 300 planes and they have over 900 planes.

"The numbers of IAF aircraft have never over-awed us or bothered us, it is the technological edge that we have enjoyed and it is the edge in the training and morale of the PAF personnel which we have always attained that have done us wonders in the past and that is our strength in future also", he emphasised.

He said: "The PAF is not dependent on one source of supply of weapons, we are diversified since the JF-17 aircraft that we are co-producing with the help of our Chinese friends, will be a major backbone of the Pakistan Air Force in future."

With regard to the possibility of US sanctions in future, the PAF chief said: "the environment has changed from the days of 1990s and the US administration talks clearly about the long-term strategic partnership with Pakistan, and I am sure they have also learnt from their experience in the past and will make no mistake in future."

He said: " The Pakistan Air Force is the only air force in the world which is engaged in the designing and manufacturing of the aircraft industry since we lack hi-tech industrial base in the country."

About carrying of nuclear war heads, the Air Chief said since it is a very sensitive area, we have never relied upon any particular aircraft, but our own indigenous capability and we shall continue to retain our indigenous capability, we don't need have this capability from anyone outside."

 

[genmirajborgza786]

one thing that i have read somewhere it say that the complete package(the $ 5.1 bllion sale of the f-16,s and missile) will be delivered with in a span of total 30 month,s or 18 months we cant afford that risk plain and simple not even two months the packages must be delivered in the shortest span of time or immidietly we cannot let even one sphare parts of the defence package remaining in the united states. given usa's track record say even if the deal is approved and we wait for 18 to 30 months(that will be very foolish and unpatriotic in the first palce) and in this time we have a political change say musharraf is ousted WHAT THEN?????? the u.s will just stop the shipment then and there and we will not get the defence package it will be one of the worst blow,s our countries defence can have, so what i am trying to say here is we should only buy stuff,s from america if they agree to deliver us the item,s right away the shipment should start as soon as the deal is finalized and the f-16,s missile,s the total $5billion f-16,s and defence package) should be in pakistan's possession imidietly if this is not possible we should not go for this deal($5billion f-16 and missle defence package deal with the U.S.A) as we cannot afford to trust the amaricans after the experience of batrayal of the preveous f-16,s deal in the eighties when they did not supply us the planes even when we had paid them the money for it. it should be now or never. or else we should look elsewhere IMO.

 

[Owais]

F-16 to Pakistan without nuclear warhead carrying capability WASHINGTON: The F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan wouldn’t have nuclear warhead carrying capability and the United States would monitor to avoid leakage of the technology to China or any other country, John Hillen, assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, told a Congressional hearing here.

He told the U.S. House of Representatives International Relations Committee that concerns about leakage of technology from Pakistan were being addressed by "an extraordinary security plan" imposed on the planes and components and accepted by Pakistan's Air Force.

"This sale will send a very clear signal of our commitment to a long-term relationship with Pakistan," Hillen told the committee. "We want to build this relationship precisely to help them get better at combating terrorism, Hillen later added.

Deputy Secretary of State Richard Boucher has hoped that the Congress will approve the F-16 fighter jets deal.

Despite the assurances and safeguards some congressmen expressed reservations about the deal. Lawmakers expressed concerns that the fighter jets' sophisticated technology could fall into the wrong hands.

what the hell is this??
I can't understand that how Block 50/52 will be made with out Nuke capablity?

 

[melb4aust]

what the hell is this??
I can't understand that how Block 50/52 will be made with out Nuke capablity?

From the very first day since J-10 was offered to Pakistan i was against this deal.

Firstly as mentioned by genmirajborgza786 we should'nt trust US, as it happened in past, its hard to predict that cant happen in future. Getting our stuff in short time is wise thing to do. Secondly if they are giving them without the nukes delivery system, they should reduce the price. PAF will fit that system by itself, as they did with older F-16's, they are using these days.

 

[Averroes]

He told the U.S. House of Representatives International Relations Committee that concerns about leakage of technology from Pakistan were being addressed by "an extraordinary security plan" imposed on the planes and components and accepted by Pakistan's Air Force.

This is alarming. What is this extraordinary security plan? Something that could be shared with Pakistan's enemy so they know our position 24-7?!

 

[genmirajborgza786]

also one congressional leader who is in favour of this deal sayed something like this

( PAKISTAN with f-16's will feel secured otherwise they will balance the ratio with nuclear means and unconventional methods to counter india's superiorities and thats what we dont want) once again i repeat it sounds something like this thats what( the nuclear way, the nuclear program and building it up advancing in building nuclear weapon's the american's do NOT wants us to do.

now tell what does this mean,s and the resent news that the f-16's will not have nuclear capabilities and the security paln to our generals have agreed what is it???? and why is the topic bieng related to nuclear capabilities this
sounds like an consparacy theory for the betterment of pakistan and our nuclear program we must get to the bottom of this unique and surely unhealthy devellopments otherwise we as a nation will never be able to forgive ourself's for seems to be nothing less then a batrayal and a secrete consparicy.
may ALLAH save us from this evil. ameen:flag:

 

[genmirajborgza786]

the speaker,s name is mr. boucher and here is the attachment i got from NDTV indian isource while i was surfing the net but any how its always better to look into the matter
thanks u can open it as i saved it its safe but do read it thats what is important once again we need to confirm it also to be sure its not a propaganda but we should defenitely pay attention to it
thanks

 

[Neo]

Just posted this in the other F-16 thread.

I don't understand why we're all whing about the nuclear delivery system, its not important!
We need F-16C/D for airdefence, interception air superiority role, none of these requires nuclear warhead!

FGA option for PAF is still open, probably JF-20 will have the nuclear delivery capability

For the time being we can very well rely on our missiles, thats the most effective weapon we have to strike deep into India, something the F-16 cannot do!

So stop bashing the USA, inshallah the deal will be approved with all the systems we've asked for and we'll have a real killer here.

Btw, a typical attack formation will have JF-17 on the front, probably 8, complimented by 4-6 F-16 and 4 Mirage as I was told. :wink:

 

[Neo]

F-16s sale to Pakistan in national interest: US


WASHINGTON, July 22, 2006

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia has said the administration believed that it was in United States' 'national interest' to proceed with the sale of F-16s to Pakistan.

Sale of F-16s, Richard Boucher stated, provides "a clear and concrete signal" to all Pakistanis that Pakistan's security "is important to the United States."

In a testimony before the House International Relations Committee, on 'The Sale of F-16s to Pakistan,' he expressed the hope that US law makers would "approve this transfer."

He said Pakistan was "a key country" and "a strategic partner in South Asia" a region of critical importance to the United States. The South Asian region, he added, was "one of our highest priorities in the war on terror."

Chairman Henry Hyde chaired the proceedings of a full member Committee hearing.

"A confident Pakistan that feels secure is more likely to pursue peace and co-operation with its neighbours." Boucher said the United States was working with Pakistan "to establish the basis for a stable, broad-based relationship."

He said: "During President Bush's recent visit we agreed to high-level dialogues on everything from energy to education to economics to science and technology."

"We are using our assistance money to improve education and health in Pakistan."

"We are also assisting Pakistan to recover and rebuild from the catastrophic earthquake which destroyed large areas in northern Pakistan last October."

"This was the most popular and welcome program we have provided Pakistan since we resumed providing assistance in 2001."

"We cannot focus exclusively on Pakistan's economic and development needs, however, and ignore its basic national security concerns."

Boucher said the United States was asking Pakistan "to do difficult things to protect Americans, and we must show concern in return for Pakistan's security.

Pakistan, Boucher added was "equally important" to the struggle against the spread of weapons of mass destruction. "And it is enjoying rapid economic growth."

"If peace and stability prevail and the region's economic expansion continues, we believe this region will become an international economic powerhouse."

"We want to support Pakistan's success as a moderate Muslim democratic nation," he said, adding: "this is the course President Musharraf has set."

The senior State Department official said: "Achieving this goal would stabilise the nation and the region against terrorism and give the people of Pakistan new opportunity in the modern world."

"Its economic potential is as great as its neighbours. Its ports and transportation links could play a major role in the prosperity of the region as a whole."

"We see Pakistan as one end of a land bridge extending across Afghanistan and into Central Asia." He said Pakistan's role in the struggle against al Qaida was well known, "but bears repeating." Almost every senior al Qaida leader now in custody, he added "was captured by Pakistan."

"Pakistan has put almost 80,000 troops on its border with Afghanistan and has conducted large-scale military operations aimed at flushing al Qaida and its allies out of the remote border country."

Boucher said these operations have been costly. Pakistan has lost several hundred soldiers while conducting them. "The political cost has been high, too. Al Qaida and its extremist allies assail the Pakistani government regularly for allegedly doing America's bidding with no benefit to Pakistan."

"These same extremists have also sought to foment rebellion in the tribal regions along the border." "The personal price paid by Pakistan's leaders has also been great.

President Musharraf has survived two assassination attempts by al Qaida and its allies. Prime Minister Aziz has survived one such attempt, and senior army officers have been targeted as well."

He said: "the leaders of Pakistan have demonstrated great personal courage while supporting our common struggle against terrorism."

The official said the 9/11 Commission suggested that "if President Musharraf is prepared to support us at the risk of his life," we should make the difficult decisions needed to establish a long-term commitment to the future of Pakistan. "We are following the Commission's advice, and the F-16s are an important part of that effort."

 

[Owais]

the speaker,s name is mr. boucher and here is the attachment i got from NDTV indian isource while i was surfing the net but any how its always better to look into the matter
thanks u can open it as i saved it its safe but do read it thats what is important once again we need to confirm it also to be sure its not a propaganda but we should defenitely pay attention to it
thanks

Remarks from Boucher sounds quite possitive and in favour of pakistan.

 

[Neo]

He's a realist.

 

[Neo]

Unlike Gary Ackerman...:idiot:

Guess who's on Indian payroll..