Wednesday, July 5 2006 10:25 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: The United States has offered to sell a miffed Pakistan not just 18 odd F-16s, but a four-in-one package of aircraft, weapons and electronics worth over $5.1 billion in what would be its largest arms deal with Islamabad.

Unless stopped by the US Congress, Pakistan will get 36 new F-16C/D fighter planes worth $3 billion, weapons worth $650 million for them, 60 F-16A/B modification kits worth $1.3 billion and F-16 Engine Modifications and Falcon UP/STAR Structural Upgrades worth $151 million all ostensibly in aid of America's Global War on Terror.

Notified to the Congress by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on June 28, the deal also includes 200 sidewinder missiles, 200 air-to-air missiles, 500 kits for ground-attack satellite-guided bombs and 36 advanced pilot helmets that can display targeting information on the visor.

The F-16C/D fighter aircraft, and the $650 million dollar weapon systems going with it, will be used for close air support in ongoing operations contributing to the GWOT or Global War on Terror, DSCA told the Congress.

This will also allow the Pakistani Air Force to modernise its aging fighter and weapons inventory, thereby enabling Pakistan to support both its own air defence needs and coalition operations.

The upgraded F-16A/B aircraft also will be used for close air support in ongoing GWOT operations. In addition, Pakistan intends to purchase the MLU Programme equipment to enhance survivability, communications connectivity, and extend the useful life of its F-16A/B fighter aircraft.

The modifications and upgrades in this proposed sale will permit Pakistan's F-16A/B squadron to operate safely, and enhance Pakistan's conventional deterrent capability. Pakistan's air fleet can readily use these updates to enhance and extend the life of its aircraft, DSCA said.

The modification of the engines and Falcon UP/STAR structural updates will provide capable F-16's that can be used for close air support in ongoing GWOT operations, it said.

Eleven American companies have been listed as the principal contractors for the four deals: BAE Advanced Systems, Boeing Corporation, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, Raytheon Company, Raytheon Missile Systems, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control, Northrop-Grumman Electro-Optical Systems, Northrop-Grumman Electronic Systems, Pratt & Whitney United Technology Company, and General Electric Aircraft Engines.