On 28 October 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh raised India’s objections to a US sustainment and modernisation package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet during talks with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Cebu, Philippines. The bilateral meeting took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).
F-16 Package and Its Components
The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency notified the package in December 2025. Its stated value has been reported as approximately 686 million, while another figure puts it at 649 million. The package is intended to extend the operational life of Pakistan’s F-16 aircraft until 2040. Its components include avionics upgrades, cryptographic systems, related software, spare parts, simulators, training and logistical support. The AN/APX-126 Identification Friend or Foe system is among the specified equipment; IFF systems help distinguish friendly aircraft from other aircraft. Link-16 is a tactical data-sharing system used to exchange information among military platforms.
India’s Security Concerns
India’s objection centres on the possibility that Pakistan could use the upgraded F-16s against India, despite the package being framed around counter-terrorism and aircraft sustainment. India cited Pakistan’s past use of US-supplied F-16s, including during the 2019 aerial engagement following the Balakot air strike. Singh also raised the risk that advanced US technology supplied to Pakistan could reach third parties. The concern was linked to Pakistan’s military cooperation with China. In the meeting, Singh called for a “zero-tolerance approach” towards countries that support, train or finance terrorist organisations.
India-US Defence Cooperation
The two ministers reviewed the India-US Major Defence Partnership and the 10-year Defence Framework signed in 2025. The framework provides for deeper defence cooperation, technology sharing and co-production. ADMM-Plus is a regional defence ministers’ forum established in 2010, bringing ASEAN members together with eight dialogue partners, including India and the United States.
Important Facts for Exams
- The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency notified the Pakistan F-16 package in December 2025.
- The package aims to support Pakistan’s F-16 fleet through 2040.
- ADMM-Plus was established in 2010 as a regional defence ministers’ forum.
- Link-16 enables tactical data exchange among military platforms.
The 2019 Balakot air strike followed the Pulwama terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. India and the United States conduct defence cooperation under the Major Defence Partnership framework.
