Washington, Dec 10 (NationPress) The administration under Donald Trump has formally informed Congress about a proposed sale worth $686 million aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets. This plan is anticipated to attract scrutiny from lawmakers and heightened attention from India as it enters a required 30-day review period.

In correspondence addressed to pivotal committee leaders, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency indicated that the US Air Force is preparing to issue a Letter of Offer and Acceptance to Pakistan for “defense articles and services estimated to cost $686 million.”

The notifications were communicated to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman James Risch, and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast.

The proposed package encompasses $37 million in Major Defense Equipment and $649 million allocated for supplementary hardware, software, and logistical support.

The Major Defense Equipment list features 92 Link-16 tactical data link systems, a secure digital network utilized by the US and allied forces for real-time battlefield communication, as well as six Mk-82 inert 500-pound bomb bodies, which are unguided training munitions specifically for integration and testing.

The deal also includes a variety of non-MDE items such as avionics enhancements, Operational Flight Program modifications, secure communication systems, Identification Friend or Foe equipment, cryptographic appliques, mission-planning systems, testing equipment, spare parts, training devices, simulators, publications, and contractor engineering and logistical support.

In its justification for the policy, the administration stated that the upgrades would aid Pakistan in modernizing its Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade F-16 fleet while ensuring compatibility with US and allied forces.

“This proposed sale will bolster the foreign policy and national security goals of the United States by enabling Pakistan to maintain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism operations,” the notice asserted.

It further noted that the refurbishment “will extend the aircraft's operational life until 2040 while addressing critical flight safety issues.”

The notification also emphasized that the sale “will not alter the fundamental military balance in the region,” a statement intended to allay longstanding Indian apprehensions regarding US defense support to Pakistan.

Lockheed Martin of Fort Worth, Texas, has been designated as the primary contractor. The US government indicated that it does not anticipate deploying additional personnel to Pakistan for implementation and does not foresee any adverse effects on US defense readiness.

Congress has a 30-day window to evaluate the proposed sale. While arms transfers to Pakistan have often faced bipartisan scrutiny, comparable notifications in recent years have proceeded without formal disapproval resolutions.