Washington (Web Desk): The United States’ proposed $450-million sale for Pakistan to refurbish its F-16 fighters fleet will sustain the country's capability to meet current and future counterterrorism threats, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said.
During a press briefing in Washington on Tuesday, Ned Price said "This is a fleet that allows Pakistan to support counterterrorism operations, and we expect Pakistan will take sustained action against all terrorist groups."
"We did recently notify Congress of a proposed foreign military sale valued at USD 450 million for maintenance and sustainment services for the Pakistani Air Force’s F-16 programme," he said.
The spokesperson said that Pakistan is an important partner in a number of regards, an important counterterrorism partner. And as part of our longstanding policy, we provide lifecycle maintenance and sustainment packages for US-origin platforms.
"Pakistan's F-16 programme is an important part of a broader US-Pakistan bilateral relationship, and this proposed sale will sustain Pakistan’s capability to meet current and future counterterrorism threats by maintaining the F-16 fleet," Price said.
Speaking about flood situation in Pakistan,, Ned Price said the US is deeply saddened by the devastation and loss of life caused by the historic floods and stand with the people of Pakistan at this difficult time.
He said the US will continue to work closely with Pakistan to assess the damage caused by recent devastating floods and provide it assistance in this time of need.
"So far, more than half of the 630 metric tons of relief supplies from USAID's Dubai warehouse has been delivered to Pakistan through nine flights in response to the massive floods," the spokesperson said.
