Aviation

The reason why the US support Pakistan’s F16 aircraft : Here are the 3 factors

Many theories exist regarding how the US came to support Pakistan’s F-16 program and how they were convinced of the agreement.

These three takeaways are the big factors behind this deal. the impression of business agreements to put influences the US to provide aid and support to Pakistan.

1. Changing the prime minister of Pakistan

Imran Khan, the departing prime minister, was the most supportive of Russia’s friends and even flew to meet Putin after Russia attacked Ukraine and demonstrated support for Russia. Despite other issues, he becomes overly dependent on China, and he even supports purchasing additional J-10 fighter jets, which they recently acquired.

He claimed that in 2021, the nation would be forced to bear the burden of the errors done by the US in Afghanistan during its two-decade war on terror. He primarily opposed western nations, which he also claimed US responsible for crises and terrorism. and phase in Afghanistan’s intolerable difficulties.

10 Most Expensive Fighter Jets In The World(Opens in a new browser tab)

The US was waiting for Imran Khan’s rule to shift, and after Shehbaz Sharif became the new prime minister on April 11, 2022, a bilateral relationship began to grow. The US would take Pakistan’s request for F-16 fleet support very seriously.

Greece proceeds with purchase of 20 Lockheed F-35 fighter jets(Opens in a new browser tab)

[the_ad id=”15771″]

2. There are too many reliances on Chinese participation in international defense.

China is Pakistan’s only truly helpful neighbor, and both nations are growing cooperatively to assist economic and product development. It has no choice but to work with China in such a situation. With the new fighter jets and armed weapons, it was necessary to provide military support against the border tensions with India and Afghanistan as well as internal terrorism activities.

Airbus and HeliDax sign first HCare Classics support contract to cover fleet of 36 H120s(Opens in a new browser tab)

[the_ad id=”15771″]

The US is currently focused on Pakistan’s demands and requirements. And it would definitely be in opposition to the fighter jet export agreement from China. additionally to divert Pakistan’s focus from China to the United States’ defense assistance. and it would significantly alter this. Moreover, it might assist in lending money to Pakistan to bolster its aid efforts.

Courtesy: General Dynamics

3. Putting pressure on India’s FA18 agreement?

The F16 agreement is a support program, not a sale of a new fighter aircraft. Without assistance, the Pakistani F16 fighter will continue to be inactive. However, there is a rumor that the US may enter into a game-changing deal with Pakistan’s defense, pressuring India to purchase FA18 fighter jets while still wanting to maintain counteroffers to Pakistan and maintain a friendly environment. The US tries its best to support India in the purchase of other defense products. Pakistan currently has 85 F-16 fighter jets, 75 of which are operational.

For India, it won’t make any difference because it has bilateral support from the European and Russian nations and can choose to purchase any jets that are appropriate for its needs.

[the_ad id=”15765″]

The only source of Pakistan’s defensive capabilities is the US. to develop those nations without heavily depending on China and other nations.

But given that the instability in neighboring nations poses a threat to the nations, this may result in fresh problems for India.

4. In order to improve the fleet, Turkey has also received F16 support.

Not just Pakistan has received support for the F-16. The United States supports Turkey as well. In September of last year, Turkey formally requested to purchase 80 modification kits for its current fighters as well as 40 new Block 70 F-16s manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
The Biden administration restated its intention to supply dozens of F-16 fighter jets to Ankara in order to improve its current fleet, while Turkey stated that it would accept Sweden’s and Finland’s aspirations to join the NATO alliance.

The Pakistan Air Force’s F-16 program is being supported by a planned Foreign Military Sales case, which the US government has informed Congress about. As part of a long-standing policy, the US offers life cycle maintenance and sustainment packages for platforms of American origin to Pakistan, a crucial counterterrorism partner.

However, this development could have an impact on some of Pakistan’s current alliances and pose a fresh threat to its neighbors. Share your thoughts on Pakistan’s support for F16 fighter jets.

Related Topics:f16 Fighter Jet pakistan United states

Aviation

India Launches Its Medium-Lift Class Helicopter Program, chooses New Engine

India’s longstanding need for a Medium Helicopter may soon become a reality as the country has fully ramped up its engine development efforts. This new helicopter is set to replace the Russian-built models currently in service and will play a crucial role across various scenarios for the Indian Armed Forces.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) have launched a groundbreaking partnership to develop a state-of-the-art high-power engine named Aravalli.

This new engine will power the upcoming 13-ton Medium Lift Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), both of which are being designed and developed by HAL.

Named after the majestic Aravalli mountain range in India, the Aravalli engine symbolizes the country’s drive for self-reliance, or Aatmanirbharta, in critical engine technologies. This cutting-edge engine will be instrumental for the IMRH, a versatile 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed to meet the needs of the Indian armed forces, and the DBMRH, a 12.5-ton naval variant tailored for the Indian Navy.

The IMRH is poised to become a cornerstone of the Indian armed forces over the next decade. With its first flight expected in 3 to 4 years, the IMRH is anticipated to begin induction by 2030, with plans to integrate between 300 to 400 units, and potentially more in the future.

The IMRH is envisioned as a highly versatile multi-role helicopter that will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian military. The DBMRH, designed for naval operations, will also face the challenges of high-altitude environments in regions such as Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh—areas of strategic importance due to their proximity to the China border.

In addition to its military applications, the Aravalli engine is projected to enter the civil market, serving roles in offshore operations, utility services, and VVIP transport. The long-term vision includes Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities to further extend the engine’s utility and support the aviation industry.

This collaboration between HAL and SAFHAL builds on their successful history of working together on the Shakti engine, which powers several HAL helicopters, including the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, and the Light Utility Helicopter. The proven success of this partnership lays a strong foundation for the development of the Aravalli engine, setting the stage for a new era in India’s helicopter capabilities.