Wednesday, October 26, 2005
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Pakistan said to be reconsidering US F-16 deal**
WASHINGTON: Pakistan is reconsidering its plan to buy scores of new and used American-made F-16 fighter jets following the devastating earthquake that killed 53,000 people, US and Pakistani sources said on Tuesday.
The Bush administration was expected to formally notify the US Congress next week of plans to sell the planes, but sources said that the deal was being rethought. “Pakistan is at this time in a situation where we are trying to assess the damages caused by the earthquake, and how are we going to cope with the tragedy,” a Pakistani diplomat said. “The onus would be on Pakistan on whether to go ahead at this time.”
A US official said that Pakistan was reconsidering the scope and timing of the transfer out of concern for the political and economic impact of making a multibillion-dollar arms deal, as it still copes with a devastating earthquake.
The Pakistani diplomat did not suggest that the deal would be jettisoned. He said that there were many options, including delay. “Everything is open to possibility,” he added.
Congress has been informally told of plans to provide the South Asian nuclear state with around 55 new Lockheed Martin planes, 25 used aircraft as well as so-called “mid-life” upgrades that would significantly improve the capability of another 32 jets, sources said.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is to brief the House of Representatives’ International Relations Committee in a classified session next Wednesday, soon after which she is expected to give formal notification of the sale. After formal notification, Congress has 30 days to pass a resolution of disapproval if it wants to block the sale. reuters
Re: Pakistan said to be reconsidering US F-16 deal
Indian fighter-planes can shoot at any Pakistani airplane from a distance of over 70km, without even or barely revealing their identity. Pakistani fighter-planes, as of now, have a max. range of shooting around 25km < This includes the current, old F-16s that we have. So, you can clearly see that right now we have basically nothing (in the air) to defend the whole of Pakistan's airspace. If a conflict was to errupt right now, Pakistan's Air Force would probably be roasted. These newer F-16s which we were about to recieve very soon, at a very low cost, would've changed the whole scenario. The max. shooting range could've been increased all the way upto 100+ km, hence we would've been able to deter any Indian threat. But as long as those F-16s don't come, Pak's Airspace is not safe. You can choose which is better - delay the deal, or have it right now. Also, Pakistan doesn't pay the cost of the total deal at one time, but over the total delivery time.
Also, note that the delivery of the planes will take atleast 2yrs.
There is always an oppurtunity cost.
Re: Pakistan said to be reconsidering US F-16 deal
How are we diverting the aid funds? The fund for F-16s was already allocated before the earthquake had happened. & this aid was sent by America, not for earthquake, but for military. Thats why it is called MILITARY AID. Damn.. y do I have to explain every little thing to you like a grade 5 teacher.
Re: Pakistan said to be reconsidering US F-16 deal
LKC agreed there is less deterance to indian air attacks, but as some one mentioned already we have nuclear deterance anyway. less planes mean Pakistan more likely to use Nukes early.
sooner or later Pakistan has to buy new fighters, but its just delayed.
Re: Pakistan said to be reconsidering US F-16 deal
^^ Pata wata tumhain nahin hota, iss liye idher aa ke guppain maar te ho. Pakistan payed for F-16s last time, not USA. How many times do I have to tell u?
