Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:49pm on 28 Oct 2026,Wednesday India Global
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh raised concerns over a $686 million US-aided sustainment and modernisation package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet during talks with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Cebu, Philippines, on Wednesday. Cleared by the US Congress in December 2025, the package aims to extend the jets’ operational life until 2040. It includes avionics upgrades, cryptographic systems, Link-16 secure communications, precision navigation, training, logistical support and new 500-pound bombs. India reportedly warned that advanced US technology could reach third parties amid Pakistan’s close military cooperation with China. The development follows renewed US-Pakistan military ties and previous American approval of advanced air-to-air missiles for Islamabad’s F-16s. (PC: X)
