Recent reports indicate that the US under President Trump has authorized funding and support for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet. This is generally framed as part of ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts.
Here’s a breakdown of the likely reasons and context:
Counter-terrorism and Stability: A primary stated reason for providing this assistance is to help Pakistan in its fight against various terrorist groups, such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which pose significant security threats within Pakistan. The F-16s are considered a crucial asset for these operations.
Regional Security: The US has historically viewed Pakistan as a strategic partner in regional security, particularly concerning Afghanistan and the broader South Asian region. Maintaining Pakistan’s military capabilities, especially its air force, is seen as contributing to overall stability.
Previous US Policy Shifts: It’s worth noting that US policy on military aid to Pakistan has fluctuated. The Trump administration had previously halted security assistance to Pakistan in 2018, citing insufficient action against terrorism. However, the recent authorization suggests a renewed emphasis on engaging Pakistan for security priorities.
F-16 Sustainment: The current aid largely focuses on the sustainment and maintenance of Pakistan’s existing F-16 fleet, rather than providing new aircraft. This ensures the continued operational readiness of these jets for their intended purposes.
Monitoring and Conditions: The US often imposes conditions on such military aid, requiring that the equipment be used exclusively for counterterrorism operations and not against other regional adversaries like India. This is a recurring theme in US arms sales to Pakistan.
Balancing Regional Interests: The US also maintains strong ties with India, and its arms sales to Pakistan are often viewed in the context of the broader regional balance of power. While supporting Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts, the US also makes efforts to not significantly alter the military balance in South Asia.
In summary, the provision of lethal weapons and support to the Pakistani Air Force by the US, currently under President Trump, is primarily driven by counter-terrorism objectives and a broader strategy to maintain regional stability, with specific conditions and monitoring in place.