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| Islamabad to receive combat F-16s | | US unlikely to impose any restrictions on Pakistan | | B L KAK
NEW DELHI, JULY 23: Pakistan's lounder noises in support of friendly relations with India notwithstanding, Islamabad finds it difficult to treat New Delhi as a sincere friend or ally. The label of "enemy" for India has not been buried by Pakistan, particularly its armed forces.
If there was any doubt about it, it was set at rest a few days ago by Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmed. Known for his call-a-spade-a-spade style, Pakistan Air Chief sent out an unambiguous warning--and the warning was clearly meant for India--that his country's Air Force "is fully prepared" to meet any challenge and give a befiting response to any aggression.
Developing India has, since the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947, been treated as the "enemy" of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. No wonder, Pakistan Air force (PAF) Chief's pronouncement about his establishment's competence to give a befitting response to any aggression. Significance has to be atached to his revelation that 3 billion dollars would be spent by Islamabad on the purchase of 18 new, 26 used and upgradation of 11 F-16s from the United States.
Islamabad-based High Commision of India has informed the Indian government that Pakistan Air Chief Marshal has made it public that his country has 34 F-16s and negotiations are going on with Washington for purchase of 18 new and 26 used F-16s. This apart, as many as a dozen F-16 com bat aircraft already present in Pakiastan will also be upgraded.
New F-16s will have optimum facilities including all supporting equipment, technology, weapon system and proper safety system. And according to Pak Air Force Chief, Islamabad will spend nearly 3 billion dollars on the purchase of 18 new, 26 used and upgradation of 11 F-16s. After the agreement with the US, Pakistan would start getting new F-16s in three years. The used F-16s would be provided to Pakistan within 15 to 18 months.
The new planes would be bigger in size, capacity, presence of AVANEX Radar System and would be able to carry more weight than normal planes and travel long distances. A significant announcement by the Pak Air Force Chief: "We will not compromise on the standard of the planes as we have other options too besides US in this regard". Besides this, Pakistan is also acquiring Air Borne Early Warning system, Air Borne refuel system, Air Borne radar and other modern equipment.
Pakistan Air Force chief has also let it be known that USA has not given Islamabad any indication that it will impose any kind of restriction in future during the purchase of F-16s and both the countries are eager to continue strategic relations. |
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