Counter-Terrorism or Combat? Why the US is Modernizing Pakistan's Air Force

The United States has approved a significant $686 million military sale to Pakistan for the modernization of its F-16 fighter fleet. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress on December 8, 2025, clearing a package focused on technological sustainment and upgrades. While official statements frame the deal as support for a "major non-NATO ally" in counter-terrorism efforts, the inclusion of advanced tactical data links comes just months after Pakistan's air force reportedly struggled against Indian Rafales during the brief Operation Sindoor conflict in May.

The Context (How We Got Here)

Pakistan's request for these upgrades dates back to 2021 but was stalled by diplomatic friction. The urgency renewed after the May 2025 skirmish, where analysts noted that Pakistan's older AIM-120C-5 missiles and avionics were outmatched by modern Indian platforms. Although rumors circulated about a purchase of new AIM-120D missiles, the approved package prioritizes the digital backbone of the fleet. This move by the Trump administration mirrors a similar 2022 sustainment deal but is significantly larger in value and technological scope.

The Key Players (Who & So What)

Lockheed Martin: The contractor. As the original manufacturer, they will supply the proprietary technology needed to keep the jets flying for another 15 years, ensuring Pakistan remains tethered to the US defense industrial base rather than fully pivoting to China.
Pakistan Air Force (PAF): The beneficiary. Faced with an aging fleet and a technologically superior neighbor, the PAF secures a critical lifeline that enhances its ability to conduct networked warfare.
Defense Security Cooperation Agency: The regulator. By framing the sale as "improving security" for a partner, the DSCA navigates the political minefield of arming Pakistan without explicitly stating it is for conventional deterrence against India.

The BIGSTORY Reframe

While headlines focus on "maintenance," the deeper story is the "Network Warfare Upgrade." The standout item in this package is the provision of 92 Link-16 multifunction information distribution systems. Link-16 is a game-changer: it allows jets to share real-time target data securely, creating a "hive mind" in the sky that is resistant to jamming. Terrorists in tribal areas do not have electronic warfare capabilities; state militaries do. By selling this specific tech, the US is quietly restoring Pakistan's conventional air combat parity, ensuring the F-16 remains a viable dogfighter well into the 2030s.

The Implications (Why This Changes Things)

Strategically, this deal acts as a "geopolitical leash." By extending the fleet's life to 2040, Washington ensures Islamabad cannot simply scrap its American jets for Chinese J-10Cs overnight. It keeps the US military-industrial complex embedded in Pakistan's defense architecture. For India, it signals that despite the deepening US-India partnership, Washington is not willing to abandon its leverage in Pakistan entirely, maintaining a balance of power in South Asia that keeps both nuclear neighbors dependent on American technology.

The Closing Question (Now, Think About This)

If the US is arming one ally to fight terrorists, why does it need the technology designed to fight another ally?

FAQ

What is included in the 2025 US F-16 package for Pakistan? The $686 million package includes 92 Link-16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS-JTRS) terminals, cryptographic devices, avionics software support, and structural life-extension services. It does not include new fighter jets.

What is Link-16 technology? Link-16 is a secure, jam-resistant tactical data link network used by NATO and allied nations. It allows military aircraft, ships, and ground forces to exchange real-time situational awareness data (like target locations) securely, which is critical for modern air combat.

Did the US sell new F-16s to Pakistan in 2025? No. The December 2025 notification is for a sustainment and modernization package for the existing F-16 fleet, designed to keep the current aircraft operational and technologically relevant until 2040.

Why does Pakistan need this upgrade? Pakistan's F-16 fleet was facing avionics obsolescence and lacked secure networking capabilities compared to modern standards. The upgrade addresses these gaps, reportedly motivated by performance issues noted during the May 2025 Operation Sindoor conflict.

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Sseema Giill Founder & CEO

Sseema Giill is an inspiring media professional, CEO of Screenage Media Pvt Ltd, and founder of the NGO AGE (Association for Gender Equality). She is also the Founder CEO and Chief Editor at BIGSTORY NETWORK. Giill champions women's empowerment and gender equality, particularly in rural India, and was honored with the Champions of Change Award in 2023.