US approves $397 million program to keep a check on use of Pakistan’s F-16 fighter
jets
The United States has approved the release of
$397 million for a program aimed at monitoring the use of Pakistan’s F-16
fighter jets. This initiative ensures that the aircraft are being used solely
in counterterrorism operations, rather than against India. The funding is part
of a broader release of $5.3 billion in aid that was previously frozen, which
focuses on security and anti-narcotics efforts.
The allocated funds will support the efforts of
the Technical Security Team (TST), a group of contractors stationed in Pakistan
to oversee the use of the F-16s. The TST’s role is to ensure that the Pakistan
Air Force (PAF) exclusively uses the newer F-16C/D Block-52 models for
counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.
Although monitoring the use of F-16s is not a new development—the TST has been operating in Pakistan since 2019 with an initial $125 million allocation—this additional funding underscores the ongoing oversight of US-provided military equipment. In 2022, reports also indicated a $450 million foreign military sale to maintain Pakistan's F-16 fleet.
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Despite concerns raised by some, including a
2019 Foreign Policy report, the US has not classified interactions with India,
such as the 2019 dogfight, as violations of the end-use agreements, which allow
the aircraft’s deployment in defense-related operations.
This funding is part of a broader package of military assistance and exceptions to aid freezes imposed during the Trump administration. Most of the funds released are directed towards military security, drug enforcement, and border control programs. However, social and humanitarian aid, such as support for Gaza or the International Committee of the Red Cross, remains more restricted compared to military assistance.
Source: Minute Mirror