Pakistan confirms to receive US fighter jets
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, July 31, IRNA
Pakistan-US
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Sunday confirmed reports that it will be receiving two F-16 fighter planes from the United States in near future.
Reports suggested that the US administration has approved an initial shipment to Pakistan of two F-16 fighter jets.
"These F-16s are of same category as the one which PAF already posses, and are being provided to Pakistan from their ready available stock," a PAF spokesman said in a statement.
The United States announced plans in March to sell F-16s to Pakistan but offered few details about the number of fighters and
specifications.
The sale had been blocked for 15 years due to Pakistan nuclear weapons program.
"The expenditure involved in procurement of the F-16 is very nominal. Anyhow, it may be noted that the issue of purchase of a newer version of additional F-16 is under discussion," the PAF statement said.
It said the number and delivery timing of F-16s will be decided at late stage.
The single engine, multirole F-16 is built by Lockheed Martin Corp.
Reports suggest that a Pakistani team is expected to proceed to Washington in late September or early October to fly the planes home.
2020/235/1430/1412
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