The United States Air Force has contracted Northrop Grumman for a $488 million radar sustainment programme for Pakistan’s fleet of 75–85 F-16s, alongside 20 other partner nations.
The programme, part of a broader foreign military sales deal involving multiple countries, focuses on extending the operational viability of existing APG-66 and APG-68 radar systems. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor and as Pakistan engages in diplomatic efforts over West Asia’s conflict.
Officials emphasised it is a sustainment effort, not an introduction of new offensive capabilities, with initial funding of $2.64 million already allocated.
Indian analysts warn that even sustainment upgrades can enhance Pakistan’s network-centric warfare capabilities, improving situational awareness and multi-target engagement without breaching escalation thresholds.
Concerns are amplified by the Indian Air Force’s reduced squadron strength of 29, far below the sanctioned 42 needed for a potential two-front conflict. The timing, following India’s Operation Sindoor strikes on Pakistani military assets, adds to Delhi’s unease over shifting airpower dynamics.
The deal reflects Washington’s dual-track South Asia policy—maintaining counterterrorism cooperation and platform viability in Pakistan while deepening strategic ties with India in the Indo-Pacific.
By providing advanced AESA radar upgrades such as the APG-83 SABR, the US seeks to recalibrate its support towards Pakistan. This approach highlights a structural contradiction in US regional engagement, as it sustains legacy capabilities in Pakistan while courting India as a strategic partner.
If the upgrades significantly extend Pakistan’s F-16 operational relevance, Islamabad could maintain parity in certain air combat domains despite India’s numerical edge in modern fighters.
Alternatively, India could accelerate its own fighter acquisitions and technology partnerships to offset perceived disadvantages, potentially deepening defence ties with the US or other allies. Either path will influence the long-term stability and deterrence equation in South Asia, with implications for crisis management and escalation control.
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