World · South & Central Asia · 10 hrs ago
India questions US decision to upgrade Pakistan’s F-16s
The US agreed to a US$686 million upgrade package for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets.
The deal improves the planes’ navigation, communications and ability to survive attacks, but does not include nuclear weapons.
Indian critics say the upgrade could strengthen Pakistan’s existing nuclear strike capabilities against India.
They question why Washington is helping a nuclear-armed ally while waging war against Iran over its nuclear programme.
India’s concern centres on what the improved jets could enable, rather than on nuclear weapons being part of the package.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reportedly raised the issue with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth during a meeting in Cebu, the Philippines, late last month.
The sources give no further details about what happens next.
The United States approved a US$686 million modernisation package for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets.
Critics in India accused Washington of double standards.
Analysts said upgrades to navigation, communications and survivability could boost Pakistan’s existing nuclear strike capabilities against India.
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reportedly raised concerns about the programme with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The reported discussion took place on the sidelines of the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Cebu, the Philippines, late last month.
- Who
- The United States and Pakistan are involved in the F-16 upgrade deal. India has questioned the decision.
- What
- The United States approved a US$686 million modernisation package for Pakistan’s F-16s.
- When
- The date of the decision is not stated. Singh reportedly raised concerns late last month.
- Where
- Singh and Hegseth reportedly spoke in Cebu, the Philippines, on the sidelines of the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting.
- Why
- The package is intended to modernise Pakistan’s F-16s. Critics in India question the decision, while analysts say the upgrades could boost Pakistan’s existing nuclear strike capabilities against India.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Package value
- US$686 million
- Aircraft
- Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets
- Reported Indian official
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
- Reported US official
- Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth
- Meeting location
- Cebu, the Philippines
What people are saying
double standards