Pakistan is trying to get more F-16s from the US as well as looking towards countries like Russia and France for new aircraft to replace old ones to match India’s defence purchases.
Jane’s Defence Weekly reported that Pakistan would seek to purchase ten F-16 additional planes from the United States if the current deal for eight of these fighter jets is successfully concluded.
According to the report, Pakistan wants new 16C/D Block 52 multi-role fighters, which are equipped with precision strike capability, as it would enhance its capability to reduce collateral damage in the war against terrorists who often hide among civilians.
He said Pakistan Air Force needed to retire 190 planes by 2020, forcing the country to look for various options. The official said that the strong resistance it faced in the US Congress for buying a small batch of eight planes was “discouraging”.
“That’s why we are looking at other options too, such as buying them from Russia or France.” The official noted that while French planes were “very expensive, the Russians are not and they are equally good”.
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