The package includes $37 million in major defense equipment (MDA) and $649 million in additional hardware, software, and logistical support.

The United States has approved the sale of advanced technology and assistance worth $686 million (approximately Rs 5,800 crore) to Pakistan to upgrade its F-16 fighter jets. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has sent a letter to the US Congress regarding this. Congress has 30 days to review the proposed sale. However, this move by the Trump administration has caused a global uproar. Furthermore, while addressing India's concerns, the letter also stated that the deal will not impact the military balance in the region.

According to a report in the Pakistani newspaper Dawn, this package includes the Link-16 data link system, cryptographic equipment (secret codes), avionics updates (aircraft electronic systems), pilot training, and logistical support. This package will extend the aircraft's lifespan by 15 years, extending the weapons' lifespan until 2040.

The DSCA notified House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman James Risch, and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast. The agency stated in the letters that the US Air Force is about to issue a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) to Pakistan for defense materials and services estimated to cost approximately $686 million.

The DSCA letter clearly states that this deal supports US foreign policy and national security. It will allow Pakistan to continue working with US and allied forces in counterterrorism operations.

The package includes $37 million in major defense equipment (MDA) and $649 million in additional hardware, software, and logistical support. The MDA list also includes 92 Link-16 technical data link systems, a jam-resistant digital network used by US and allied forces to share real-time battlefield information. Six MK-82 inert 500-pound bomb bodies are also included, which are unguided, low-drag training weapons used specifically for integration and release testing.

According to the notification, the deal also includes a variety of non-MDA items, including avionics updates, operational flight program modifications, secure communication systems, identification friend or foe equipment, cryptographic applications, mission-planning systems, test equipment, spare parts, training devices, simulators, publications, and contractor engineering and logistics support.

The administration stated that these upgrades will help Pakistan modernize its Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade F-16 fleet and ensure compatibility with US and partner forces. Addressing India's long-standing concerns, the notification also clarified that these sales will not alter the underlying military balance in the region.