Upgraded F-16 fighters for Pakistan: Big worry for Indian Air Force?

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh this week conveyed India's concerns related to the American sustenance package for Pakistan's F-16 fleet to US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin in a telephonic conversation in which the two leaders also had discussion on strategic interests.

In a tweet, the Defence Minister said, "I conveyed India's concern at the recent US decision to provide a sustenance package for Pakistan's F-16 fleet. Look forward to continuing dialogue with Secretary Austin to further consolidate India-US partnership."

In a surprise move, the United States reversed the decision taken by the previous Donald Trump government and approved a USD 450 million F-16 fighter jet sustainment programme for Pakistan. In 2018, Donald Trump had stopped all defence and security assistance to Pakistan alleging that Islamabad was not a partner in its fight against terrorism. Though India is considered as an important ally by the United States to contain China in this region, this sudden change of heart has brought many questions to the forefront.


The F-16 support package
The package includes the US government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics services to support Pakistan's F-16 fleet. According to the statement released by the US, Pakistan won't get any new capabilities, weapons, or munitions with this new package. The statement further added that it will allow Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts.

According to media reports, the upcoming upgrade will give a big boost to the ageing PAF F-16’s efficiency and also provide relief to PAF from the component shortage. Overall, this would enhance the operational ability of the Pakistan Air Force to a great extent. On the other hand, the Indian Air Force is struggling with its dwindling number of fighter squadrons and the situation looks quite precarious amidst such developments in the neighbourhood.

India's Rafale fighter jet vs Pak's F-16
Though F-16 fighters have been considered as the backbone of Pakistan Air force, India can give a fitting reply with Rafale fighter jet, in case of any showdown in the future, according to some media reports. Pakistan’s F-16s hit the headlines after the 2019 Balakot Strike, when they were used by PAF against India. India claimed to have shot down one F-16 plane, which Pakistan denied vehemently.

Rafale fighter jet is a twin-engine, 4.5th generation fighter aircraft, which comes with a higher service ceiling than F-16, which is a fourth-generation, supersonic multirole fighter aircraft. Rafale is equipped with better jammers, decoys and digital avionics.

The F-16 fighter has 9 weapon points to carry missiles, which include Aim 9 Sidewinder, magic 2, aim 7, and aim 20. On the other hand, Rafale comes with 14 firepower points and it can carry various air to air and air to land missiles. Rafale also has a meteor missile, which is considered as one the best beyond visual range missiles in this category.