Wednesday, July 11, 2007
US starts F-16 delivery http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\07\11\story_11-7-2007_pg7_8
MUSHAF BASE: The United States on Tuesday started the long awaited delivery of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan when two of the aircraft, which had directly flown from the US in an 8-hour journey, were handed over to the Pakistan Air force (PAF) in a ceremony at Sargodha. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmed, US Ambassador Anne W Peterson, and other PAF officers were present on the occasion. These aircraft were manufactured in the 1990s and their delivery to Pakistan was stopped after the Pressler amendment. Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmed said the rest of the F-16 fleet of 10 aircraft would be given to Pakistan in batches up to the middle of next year. He said the delivery of the aircraft to Pakistan had become possible after long negotiations with the US. He said the US administration had offered Pakistan aircraft being used by the US Navy. But, he said, those extensively used aircraft would not be feasible for the PAF. However, he said negotiations with the US Navy were underway to get the aircraft especially manufactured for PAF requirements. He said the induction of F-16s to the PAF fleet would enhance its defence capability and that the delivery of new F-16 aircraft to Pakistan, which were being manufactured, would start in the next three years. To a question regarding aircraft overhauling, he said six aircraft would be overhauled in the US and that PAF technicians would be given training to overhaul the rest. US Ambassador Anne W Peterson said witnessing the ceremony was a pleasure for her. "This will go a long way towards furthering the bilateral ties between both countries. The US is proud to be Pakistan's partner in its defence needs," she said. app
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