The United States government has approved a $686 million support package for Pakistan’s F‑16 fighter jets, officials confirmed on Thursday. The package is aimed at maintaining and upgrading the existing fleet of aircraft, ensuring operational readiness, and supporting Pakistan’s national security objectives.

The approved package includes spare parts, repairs, maintenance services, technical upgrades, and related equipment required to keep Pakistan’s F‑16 fleet fully functional. The U.S. State Department described the sale as consistent with U.S. foreign policy and national security interests, emphasising that it “will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”

A senior U.S. official clarified the scope of the package, stating, “This sale does not include new aircraft; it is intended to sustain Pakistan’s current F‑16 capability through maintenance and technical support.” The official added that the package covers aircraft spare parts, repair kits, software upgrades, and logistical support, which are essential for extending the service life of the F‑16s.

The State Department also highlighted that the deal aligns with regional security and stability objectives, saying, “This package will provide Pakistan with the necessary tools to ensure operational readiness of its fighter jets while remaining aligned with regional security and stability objectives.”

The F‑16 jets have been a central component of Pakistan’s air defence capability for decades. The U.S. has provided aircraft, spare parts, and upgrades in the past, and this package is part of ongoing bilateral defence cooperation. Officials noted that the deal would help Pakistan maintain combat readiness, operational efficiency, and fleet safety without introducing new combat aircraft, which could have affected the regional balance of power.

Analysts say the approval comes amid broader regional security concerns in South Asia. Maintaining and modernising Pakistan’s F‑16 fleet ensures that Islamabad can respond to operational challenges while enabling the United States to exercise strategic oversight in the region.

Pakistani authorities welcomed the deal. Military officials in Islamabad said the package would help “improve the operational readiness and effectiveness of our air force” and ensure continued defence capabilities. They also emphasised that sustaining the fleet is critical amid ongoing security challenges along Pakistan’s borders.

The approval of the support package also comes at a time when the U.S. is carefully balancing its defence commitments in the region. By providing maintenance and upgrades instead of new aircraft, Washington seeks to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation while avoiding actions that could escalate tensions with neighbouring countries.

The United States has approved a $686 million support package for Pakistan’s F‑16 fighter jets. The deal includes spare parts, maintenance, technical upgrades, and logistical support to sustain the operational readiness of Pakistan’s existing fleet. U.S. officials stressed that the sale aligns with national security objectives and does not alter the regional military balance. Pakistani authorities welcomed the package as a crucial step in maintaining air force effectiveness and defence readiness.