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US approves sale of F-16 jets to Pakistan, angering India

A US soldier stands guard in front of a US F-16 fighter jet after a press briefing on the flight by a US B-52 bomber over South Korea at the Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, on January 10, 2016. (AFP photo)

The United States has approved selling up to eight Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan, along with training, radar and other equipment, provoking anger from neighboring rival India.

The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which coordinates US arms sales to other countries, said Friday that it had informed Congress of the plans on Thursday.

"This proposed sale contributes to US foreign policy objectives and national security goals by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner in South Asia," it said in a statement, according to AFP.

The F-16 aircraft would also allow Pakistan's Air Force to operate in all kinds of weather environments as well as enhance the country’s ability to carry out “counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations."

The proposed sale, worth a total of $699 million, is aimed at improving “Pakistan’s capability to meet current and future security threats.”

Members of Congress have 30 days to block the sale, although such action is rare because arms deals are vetted thoroughly before any formal notification is made.

India expressed dismay with the US decision. "We are disappointed at the decision of the Obama administration to notify the sale of F-16 aircrafts to Pakistan," Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said on Twitter.

"We disagree with their rationale that such arms transfers help to combat terrorism," he added.

Swarup said India planned to summon the US ambassador "to convey our displeasure" with the proposed sale.

The Pentagon, meanwhile, stressed that selling advanced military hardware to Pakistan “will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”

 

 


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