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| F-16 |
The fleet of American F-16 fighter jets, which for a long time formed the backbone of the Pakistani Air Force, was on the verge of collapse due to an acute crisis with maintenance and spare parts supplies. The growing problems with maintaining these aircraft in the air are putting Pakistan in front of a harsh reality: soon it may have no choice but to suspend the operation of almost the entire F-16 fleet.
The root of the problem lies in the harsh conditions imposed by the United States on the supply of critical components and software for these fighters. These limitations, related to political and strategic considerations, make it almost impossible to fully service and modernize aircraft. Without the necessary spare parts and permits to upgrade systems, aircraft simply cannot undergo a technical inspection and go on combat duty.
This technical impasse is forcing Pakistan to look for alternatives. Previously, dependence on the F-16 was huge, but now the country is actively increasing cooperation with China, integrating JF-17 Thunder fighters (a joint development with China) into its fleet and considering the possibility of purchasing more modern Chinese models such as the J-10C. Phasing out the F-16, although painful, is becoming a strategic necessity to ensure the independence and combat capability of its Air Force.
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