ISLAMABAD, July 17: Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmed has said that Pakistan Air Force is fully prepared to meet any challenge and give a befitting response to any aggression adding that $3 billion would be spent on the purchase of 18 new, 26 used and up gradation of 11 F-16s from US.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday Air Chief Marshal said the country had 34 F-16s and negotiations were going on with the US for purchase of 18 new and 26 used F-16s and 11 F-16’s already present would be upgraded.
The air chief said that new F-16s would have optimum facilities including all supporting equipment, technology, weapon system and proper safety system.
He said that approximately $3 billion would be spent on the purchase of 18 new, 26 used and up gradation of 11 F-16s.
He said that after the agreement with the US, Pakistan would start getting new F-16s in three years. The used F-16s would be provided to Pakistan within 15 to 18 months.
The new planes would be bigger in size, capacity, presence of AVANEX Radar System and would be able to carry more weight than normal planes and travel long distances.
He said that we will not compromise on the standard of the planes as we have other options too besides US in this regard. He said that besides this we are also acquiring Air Borne Early Warning system, Air Borne refuel system, Air Borne radar and other modern equipment.
Replying to a question, Air Chief said that USA has not given us any indication that it will impose any kind of restriction in future during the purchase of F-16s, however both the countries are eager to continue strategic relations.—Online
Our Washington correspondent adds: The foreign relations panels of both chambers of US Congress are scheduled to debate this week a proposed $5.1 billion arms package for Pakistan which also includes 36 F-16 fighter jets. The House of Representatives Committee on International Relations officials told Dawn that the briefing has been rescheduled for July 20.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Richard Lugar, announced a briefing for members on July 18.
