Pakistan Confirms Major F-16 Fleet Upgrade Under $686 Million US Defence Agreement
Pakistan Confirms Major F-16 Fleet Upgrade Under $686 Million US Defence Agreement Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 10:01 IST Reports also
Pakistan Confirms Major F-16 Fleet Upgrade Under $686 Million US Defence Agreement Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 10:01 IST Reports also suggest that Pakistan is expected to receive advanced F-16 Block 72-standard upgrades, though official details have not yet been disclosed. Rapid Read The package is expected to cover upgrades for around 80 Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 fighter jets (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE) Pakistan has confirmed that its defence partnership with the United States remains on track, with Islamabad indicating that the long-discussed upgrade of its F-16 fighter aircraft fleet is progressing under a major defence agreement worth approximately $686 million. Speaking at a weekly media briefing, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said defence cooperation continues to be an important pillar of the broader relationship between Islamabad and Washington. While he refrained from providing specific timelines for the programme, Andrabi said questions relating to the execution and delivery schedule would be addressed by Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence. The package is expected to cover upgrades for around 80 Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 fighter jets, including the overhaul of 65 older Block 15 aircraft and 15 Block 52 aircraft, according to reports.
The modernisation programme is aimed at extending the operational life of Pakistan’s F-16 fleet while enhancing its combat capabilities through upgraded avionics, radar, communications systems and mission equipment. Reports also suggest that Pakistan is expected to receive advanced F-16 Block 72-standard upgrades, though official details regarding the exact configuration and delivery schedule have not yet been publicly disclosed by either government. The development comes at a time when the United States and Pakistan have been seeking to stabilise bilateral ties after years of strained relations. Defence cooperation, counterterrorism coordination and regional security have increasingly featured in discussions between the two countries alongside economic and diplomatic engagement. The F-16 has remained the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force for decades. The aircraft have undergone multiple upgrades over the years under US-backed programmes, with Washington traditionally maintaining oversight over the use and sustainment of the fleet. The latest package is expected to improve the aircraft’s operational readiness and ensure compatibility with more modern systems. The reported agreement has also drawn attention because it comes amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in South Asia and renewed US engagement with Pakistan on security issues.
The BriefWire