By The U.S. government has lifted a freeze on $397 million in funding for a program in Pakistan designed to monitor the use of American-supplied F-16 fighter jets. This initiative aims to ensure that these aircraft are employed exclusively for counterterrorism operations, addressing concerns that they might be used against neighboring India. In 2019, during an aerial skirmish over Kashmir, Pakistan was accused of deploying F-16s against Indian forces, potentially violating agreements that restrict the jets’ use to counterterrorism missions. This incident prompted heightened scrutiny from Washington regarding Islamabad’s adherence to the terms of military aid.
The recent unfreezing of funds is part of a broader release of $5.3 billion in previously halted foreign aid by the Trump administration, primarily allocated to security and counternarcotics programs. This move underscores the U.S. commitment to ensuring that military assistance aligns with its national security interests and that provided equipment is utilized as intended. To maintain oversight, the U.S. has embedded a Technical Security Team (TST) of contractors in Pakistan since 2019. Their role is to monitor the F-16 fleet’s operations, ensuring compliance with end-use agreements. This monitoring is crucial for Pakistan to access essential sustainment programs necessary for the aircraft’s maintenance and operational readiness.
While the U.S. prioritizes security-related assistance, it’s noteworthy that exemptions for humanitarian aid have been limited. This reflects a strategic focus on programs deemed vital to U.S. national security, even as discussions continue about the balance between military aid and humanitarian support. In summary, the unfreezing of $397 million for Pakistan’s F-16 program highlights the U.S. emphasis on ensuring military assets are used appropriately, reinforcing oversight mechanisms, and aligning foreign assistance with broader security objectives.
