US Asks Pak to Pay for F-16 Jets After Congress Raises Objections

Pakistan has till May end to avail offer to procure F-16s at full price instead of the subsidised price.

F-16 Jet. (Photo : iStockphoto)

The US asked Pakistan to use its national funds to buy eight F-16 fighter jets after some top American Senators objected to using taxpayers’ money to partially finance them.

US State spokesperson John Kirby spoke about the developments in the bilateral deal, however, no mention was made about when the decision was made and when it was communicated to Pakistan.

While Congress has approved the sale, key members have made clear that they object to using FMF (foreign military financing) to support it. Given Congressional objections, we have told the Pakistanis that they should put forward national funds for that purpose.

John Kirby, US State Department Spokesperson

On 11 February, the State Department had informed the Congress about its decision to selling eight F-16s to Pakistan.

Richard Verma speaking to the American Chamber of Commerce in India. (Photo Courtesy:Twitter/@USAmbIndia)

The move was met with strong opposition from India who lodged their protest through the US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma.

Several American lawmakers led by Senator Bob Corker, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee enforced a hold on the sale arguing that Pakistan has not taken strict action against terrorist organisations, in particular, the Haqqani network, despite receiving help from the US in the past.

Lawmakers Expressed Concerns that Pak Would Use F-16 Against India

In a Congressional hearing on 28 April, lawmakers expressed their concerns that Pakistan would use the jets against India and not for countering terrorism as they claimed earlier.
While both the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan and the Pakistan government insisted that F-16 is an important tool in the fight against terrorism and urged the Congress to remove the hold.

Due to the objections raised by lawmakers, Pakistan has time till the end of May to avail the American offer to procure F-16s at full price instead of the earlier subsidised price of $270 million.

Pakistani officials have claimed that Pakistan is no longer keen on the purchase due to the increased prices while sources in America have said that any delay from Pakistan’s side will result in further price escalation.

Also Read: Pak May Use F-16 Jets Against India: US Lawmakers Voice Concern