Pakistan gets $5 billion of F-16's

Swiss Info/Reuters

The US is to sell the military dictatorship ['president in uniform'] in Pakistan a bunch of advanced fighters to assist them in the 'global war of terror'. You know it makes sense.

The Bush Administration said on Monday that it planned to sell Pakistan up to 36 advanced F-16 fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin Corp. in a weapons package that could be worth more than $5 billion (2.7 billion pounds).

The proposed sale of 18 new "Fighting Falcon" fighters with an option for 18 more demonstrates the United States' commitment to a long-term relationship with Pakistan, White House spokesman Tony Snow told reporters.

The U.S. State Department said it was part of a drive to broaden a strategic partnership with Pakistan and advance U.S. interests in South Asia.

The new F-16 C/D Block 50/52 aircraft would be used for close air support in the U.S.-declared global war on terrorism, among other things, the Pentagon's Defence Security Cooperation Agency said in a notice to Congress. The agency, responsible for government-to-government arms sales, said the fighters would be worth $3 billion if all options were exercised.

"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping an ally meet its legitimate defence requirements," the Pentagon said in the notice. Link