ISLAMABAD: United States Central Command Acting Commander Lt Gen Martin E Dempsey on Monday handed over four F-16 jet aircraft to Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed in a ceremony at the Pakistan Air Force Base Mushaf, Sargodha.
With the handing over of the four jets, the delivery of 14 upgraded F-16 aircraft has been completed. Earlier the US had agreed to give Pakistan these aircrafts under the Foreign Military Sales Programme, which was singed in 2005.
The air chief said the Pakistan Air Force would remain vigilant for the defence of the nation by ensuring the highest level of combat readiness.
The US embassy said in a statement that the US government provided the aircraft to Pakistan at no cost except for transportation expenses.
“The four aircraft presented on Monday are valued at approximately $6.4 million each,” it said.
The PAF said the newly delivered aircraft would significantly augment its operational and combat capabilities. |