Relevance: GS Paper 2 (International Relations) | Source: The Indian Express, Reuters, Indian Express
News
The United States has approved a 686 million dollar sustainment and technology-upgrade package for Pakistan’s existing F-16 fleet. The U.S. has clarified that the support deal will not alter the regional military balance.
About the F-16 Fighter Aircraft
The F-16 is a fourth-generation, multi-role combat aircraft widely used by the United States and several allies. It is known for:
- High manoeuvrability
- Ground-attack and air-defence capability
- Advanced avionics and radar systems
The U.S. package includes avionics upgrades, cryptographic modules, mission-planning tools, spare parts, and training.
How the F-16 Differs from the F-35 (and the Rafale)
| Feature | F-16 (Pakistan) | F-35 (U.S.) | Rafale (India) |
| Generation | 4th | 5th | 4.5th |
| Stealth | No | Yes | Partial |
| Role | Multi-role | Stealth strike, network-centric | Multi-role |
| Max Speed | ~2,400 km/h | ~1,930 km/h | ~2,130 km/h |
| Key Edge | Agility, cost-effective | Stealth, sensor fusion | Versatility, weapons integration |
(Table kept concise for UPSC Prelims use.)
Implications for India
The deal does not add new capabilities but maintains Pakistan’s existing fleet, which India views through the lens of regional security and U.S.-Pakistan defence ties.
| Prelims Value Box Sustainment Package: A defence agreement that focuses on maintenance, spare parts, software upgrades, and training rather than adding new platforms or weapons. United States Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA): |
Q. Consider the following statements:
- The sustainment package approved for Pakistan adds new combat platforms to its F-16 fleet.
- The F-35 is classified as a fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft.
- The Rafale aircraft used by India has full stealth capability similar to the F-35.
How many of the above statements are correct?
A. One only
B. Two only
C. All three
D. None
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