F-16s’ Debilitating Conditionalities

[Nahraf]

....To begin with, let us remember that we have paid a hefty price for these planes – $1.4 billion along with another $1.3 billion for the upgrade of our existing fleet of F-16s – the few we did manage to get delivery of and for which we have had to scour the globe for spares since the US refused. Luckily we still have a few gutsy and committed allies! So far only three planes in the new order have been delivered though the official spin is four! Let us hope we get all 18 but the past record is certainly dismal. After all, not only did the US keep our money and refused to give us the planes, the manufacturer had the audacity to charge us parking fees and then all we landed up with was wheat and soya beans ....

Exactly ! That is why Pakistan with help of China started JF-17 project. Shireen Mazari is one of the best writers in Pakistan on geo-strategic issues.

 

[Ras]

1.4 billion for 18 aircraft is not cheap...I am surprised Pakistan did not get a better deal under friendship terms.