Bid to block Pakistan F-16 sale fails in U.S. Senate

[Jaanbaz]

Sad day for Indians.

 

[Dalit]

and the fat man says it.........


Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, urged his colleagues to reject Paul's measure and allow the sale to proceed. Corker acknowledged that Pakistan has been "duplicitous" with the United States, but said rejecting the sale would have publicly embarrassed Islamabad and led Pakistan to buy fighters from Russia or France.


Corker said that he and Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the committee, have agreed to bar the use of any U.S. financial support for the deal until "there are behavior changes that take place in Pakistan."


The sale also gives the U.S. leverage over the long haul with Islamabad, Corker said. The F-16 deal comes with 30 years of maintenance, which Corker said could be withdrawn at any time. That would leave Pakistan without the parts and expertise to keep the high-tech aircraft in the air.


"Publicly embarrassing them and sending them to Russia or to France to buy fighter jets ends that leverage," Corker said.
Senate Shoots Down Resolution to Block F-16 Sale to Pakistan - ABC News

Now, I truly hope that Senator Corker keeps his word and embargoes the PAF F-16s.

As for embarrassment, doesn't Senator Corker know that India is already acquiring Rafale from France and Pakistan cannot get any fighters from this specific country? As for Russia, that is not an embarrassment, but an acknowledgment of American fear. I fail to understand how Pakistan would be embarrassed by opting for Su-35s...

America has lost clout and these F-16s won't change anything. They know it. It is sour grapes.

 

[Khafee]

Hi,

The pakistanis don't understand and don't want to understand is that the sanctions this time would be different---. Under these sanctions---even turkey would not be able to supply the parts---.

Secondly---the performance of the F16's would be curtailed.

The one thing about the americans is that they don't spring a surprise on you----they let you know up front what is coming---only you---the recipient gets surprised when the freight train hits you---.

Sir, Last time (Pressler years) it wasn't Turkey either. It was Israel. And they sold it at 300% markup

 

[Blue Marlin]

Hi,

The pakistanis don't understand and don't want to understand is that the sanctions this time would be different---. Under these sanctions---even turkey would not be able to supply the parts---.

Secondly---the performance of the F16's would be curtailed.

The one thing about the americans is that they don't spring a surprise on you----they let you know up front what is coming---only you---the recipient gets surprised when the freight train hits you---.

not just turkey. there was a naughty boy in israel selling parts to pakistan too.

 

[MastanKhan]

Sir, Last time (Pressler years) it wasn't Turkey either. It was Israel. And they sold it at 300% markup

Hi,

Turkey---I mentioned because a lots of kids are talking about the brotherhood----that Turkey will supply the parts---.

 

[Khafee]

Hi,

Turkey---I mentioned because a lots of kids are talking about the brotherhood----that Turkey will supply the parts---.

When uncle sam steps in, then brotherhood goes up in smoke.

 

[MastanKhan]

People should remember that Block-52D are the most advanced aircraft in the sub-continent, hence PAF went for another six and just two single seater ''C'' models. There's a reason they are kept separate from all other systems....ask some one who flies one of these beauties and you may get an idea of the cutting edge technology and the awesome fire-power this sleek jet incorporates.

Son,

You keep harping on it as if we are illiterate---we already know it is the most potent aircraft in the region---. It is the deadliest aircraft in the region---.

That is not the issue to go against its procurement----it is the liability attached to it---.

It is very simple to neuter the threat---stop buying the F16----or buy a parallel aircraft of a similar capability or better. The threat will fizzle out---other than that it is plain and simple suicide.

When uncle sam steps in, then brotherhood goes up in smoke.

Hi,

You cannot blame them---because they themselves are dependent on Uncle Sam's weapons---so why should I put my brother in a tough position where he has to say NO---.

Why don't I utilize my time and resource now---so that moment does not arise.

 

[Khafee]

Hi,

You cannot blame them---because they themselves are dependent on Uncle Sam's weapons---so why should I put my brother in a tough position where he has to say NO---.

Why don't I utilize my time and resource now---so that moment does not arise.

Because I'm too busy passing the buck, waiting to get my pension and migrate to North America.

 

[Quwa]

Sir, Last time (Pressler years) it wasn't Turkey either. It was Israel. And they sold it at 300% markup

I actually wonder if Pakistan could acquire Israeli technology via Turkish and Chinese proxies, e.g. a private Chinese firm buying radars or ECM/EW, and then re-selling it Pakistan.

 

[MastanKhan]

I actually wonder if Pakistan could acquire Israeli technology via Turkish and Chinese proxies, e.g. a private Chinese firm buying radars or ECM/EW, and then re-selling it Pakistan.

Hi,

Just recognize Israel and many an issue would evaporate.

 

[IceCold]

Hi,

Just recognize Israel and many an issue would evaporate.

Off topic though but i find it ironic sir that we on one hand accept a country like India who is responsible for terrorism in Pakistan, with whom we fought 4 wars, one resulted in separation of our eastern wing but on the other hand refuse to accept a country that Pakistan has no quarrel with. Even the mullah brigade doesn't speak up when we talk about India but jump on the anti Israel bandwagon in the name of Ummah.

 

[xenon54 out]

Hi,

Turkey---I mentioned because a lots of kids are talking about the brotherhood----that Turkey will supply the parts---.

Because I'm too busy passing the buck, waiting to get my pension and migrate to North America.

It has to do with the licence agreement, F-16 doesnt belong to Turkey so Turkey isnt allowed to sell if the owner doesnt give permission, simple as that.

 

[Khafee]

well its true though isnt it. is the united states gonna sacrifice its influence in the region over india's concerns?

What's wrong with you people? Why aren't you afraid of Supa Powa india ?

 

[Viper0011.]

I actually wonder if Pakistan could acquire Israeli technology via Turkish and Chinese proxies, e.g. a private Chinese firm buying radars or ECM/EW, and then re-selling it Pakistan.

Israel has offered many times that if Pakistan and Israel can establish cordial diplomatic relationships, they'd like to sell weapons to Pakistan. I am a big supporter of Israel - Pakistan ties. All other Muslim countries have ties with Israel, why not Pakistan? In fact, it would be beneficial for both the nations.

Between the two countries, there have always been unofficial relationships and understanding on many issues. That's why Pakistan doesn't get into Israel's affairs too much and vs-a-vs.

 

[Tank131]

@MastanKhan, there are definitely cons to this deal for Pakistan, and they may even outweigh the good, BUT, the number of the jets (8) and the relatively large size of the PAF F-16 fleet (now 78 when these are delivered) mean that PAF will be somewhat insulated from the eroding effects of any sanctions (and I have read that the PAF has spent tremendous amount on collecting spares...enough for 5yrs). The major issue is buying PAF enough time to field something that will replace the capability of the F-16. Frankly I see this sale as a stop gap in order to bolster its ability to get rid of legacy aircraft like F-7 and Mirage, until more Pakistan friendly aircraft can be acquired.

The fact remains the pace of JF-17 production is 16/yr. With ~65-70 inducted, you still have a huge ways to go. The acquisition of the 8 F-16s will allow PAF to raise a new sqn of F-16 by eliminating legacy aircraft. So a sqn of old F-7 or Mirages can then be replaced. If PAF spent $350 Million then its not a bad deal. BUT I would be very wary of going for many more, especially if PAF has to foot the entire bill.