Aerospace

US approves sale of an F16 fighter jet to Pakistan

According to the most recent reports, the United States has approved the sale of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan.

According to the most recent reports, the United States has approved the sale of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan. There are no weaponry packages included in the $450 million aircraft budget. This might influence future changes in Pakistan‘s military forces.

The sale of F16 aircraft has been authorized by the Biden administration. This would counteract political developments in the Asia-Pacific region as well as American efforts to increase sales. In Indian territories, it offered a variety of aircraft, including the Apache, Chinook, and FA18. Additionally, it is looking to become this region’s primary aircraft sales center.

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Pakistan became interested in the Chinese-built J10 and J 17 aircraft after the United States turned down its request for an F-16. This could be a fresh political attempt to boost the market for western goods. However, Pakistan’s debt may prevent it from receiving an extra loan to purchase such aircraft.

Pakistan is one of the country’s top buyers of Chinese aircraft, which are already in development. The United States’ action may sour relations with China and Pakistan.

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The State Department has approved a potential foreign military sale of F-16 aircraft for sustainment and associated equipment for an estimated cost of USD 450 million, claiming that doing so will maintain Islamabad’s capacity to combat both present and future terrorism threats by maintaining its F-16 fleet.

The price of an F-16 fighter jet can range from $12.7 to $80 million, depending on the model and the nation buying it. While not a modest sum, the F-16 is actually less expensive than comparable contemporary fighter jets.

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It is a multipurpose fighter. It has demonstrated its effectiveness in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attacks and is quite nimble. It offers the United States and its allies a high-performance weapon system at a comparatively low cost.

This is the first significant security help provided to Pakistan since Trump declared in 2018 that he would stop all defense and security assistance to Islamabad on the grounds that Islamabad was not a partner in the nation’s battle against terrorism.

A proposed Foreign Military Sales case, about which the US Government has informed Congress, will support the F-16 of the Pakistan Air Force.

The F-16 program in Pakistan plays a significant part in the larger bilateral relationship between the United States and Pakistan. The proposed sale will maintain Pakistan’s capacity to respond to both current and potential counterterrorism challenges by preserving its F-16 aircraft. In answer to a query, the official continued, “We anticipate Pakistan to act consistently against all terrorist groups. Pakistan has access to an F-16 fleet.

The Congressional notification states that no new capabilities, weapons, or ammunition are included in the proposed sale.

According to the Pentagon, this planned sale will help the US achieve its foreign policy and national security goals by preserving Pakistan’s ability to work with US and ally forces in existing counterterrorism operations and in the planning of upcoming contingency operations.

Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

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Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

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Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

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The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.