When it served national interests of US, They gave the top of the line fighter plane to us at the time when it was being inducted in their airforce! And looked the other way on our nuclear ambitions. So AESA equipped F16 depends upon converging interests and how far we can go to deliver upon US interests in the region. Options for converging interests:
1. Be a hostile nation to Iran... High dividend game both from US, KSA & UAE perspective. High blow back at home. however, India nexus with Iran can be played cleverly with home crowd.
2. Let go of Kashmir and cozy up to India .... Lower dividends now. Mixed response at home. Need to package the deal in such a way that the bitter pill can be swallowed.
3. Let go of CPEC/China... High dividends. Ramp down CPEC, bargain for max from USA/KSA/UAE. No blow-back at home
4. Let go of our influence on Afgh Taliban...Now Med gain. Depends upon point 2.
5. Cozy up to Israel...Med dividend but high from Israel itself. High blow-back from religious groups
6. Be a full partner to the Arab adventures in support of KSA/UAE. Higher dividends. Need to package this for home consumption.
It all boils down to our national priorities. What can we do from the above lists so that we gain the max without letting go of our leverage.