ISLAMABAD: Five new F-16 aircraft have been delivered to Pakistan from the US, said the U.S embassy here on Monday.
“The aircraft were inducted into the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) at a ceremony on Monday at Shahbaz Air Base near Jacobabad,” the statement said. “Your Block-52 squadron is nearly complete,” said United States Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron P. Munter, according to statement.
Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman said, “Pakistan and the United States are friends and partners. Both countries have benefited from each other. “
This is the fourth batch of new F-16s delivered. The first delivery of 3 took place June 27. Subsequent deliveries were made on October 30 and November 20. All 18 fighter aircraft will be delivered by January 2012.
Additionally, the U.S. is working with the PAF to update 45 F-16s from its existing fighter fleet through the U.S. Foreign Military Financing security assistance program. “When the updates are completed, these aircraft will have capabilities similar to those of the new F-16s, including advanced communications and a precision targeting system. The first batch of updated F-16s is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan in early 2012,” said the statement.
