When Vladimir Putin visited India in December, he signed several agreements. The most talked-about deal was in defense, particularly the Su-57 stealth fighter jet, often called the “invisible warrior” for its advanced capabilities. This fighter jet is considered a major achievement for the Indian Armed Forces.
However, Donald Trump has now complicated the situation for India by approving a defense deal for Pakistan, which poses a direct challenge.
US Approves Defense Package for Pakistan
The United States has approved the sale of defense equipment and services worth approximately $686 million to upgrade Pakistan’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets. Pakistan had been eagerly waiting for this deal, which aims to strengthen its defense capabilities while supporting US security interests. The package includes equipment that India currently does not possess, making it a significant concern.
F-16 Deal Makes Aircraft More Powerful
The deal, which raises concerns for India, includes $37 million in defense equipment and around $649 million in other systems. It covers identification systems, secure communication tools, navigation systems, software upgrades, mission planning tools, missile adapter units, and several electronic security modules. Pakistan will also receive 92 Link-16 systems and six Mk-82 inert 500-pound bombs.
This defense package is part of the F-16 Cryptographic Mandate Compliance and Service Life Extension Program. If the US Congress does not reject it within 30 days, it will automatically go through.
According to the US, this package will extend the life of Pakistan’s F-16 Block-52 jets by 15 years, making them more modern. It will also improve coordination between the Pakistan Air Force and the US Air Force for training, exercises, and operations.
Why India Is Concerned
India’s deal with Russia included the Su-57, which is comparable to the F-16 in many ways and, in some aspects, surpasses it. However, it has not yet been used in combat. The real concern for India is the Link-16 system included in the US-Pakistan deal. This system allows Pakistan to share real-time information and command capabilities with NATO countries—something India currently manages only through Israeli and Russian technology.
This move also contrasts with the US decision after the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, when it had refused to supply defense equipment to Pakistan.
Past F-16 Crashes
- December 4, 2025: An F-16C Thunderbird crashed during a training flight in the California desert.
- August 28, 2025: A Polish Air Force F-16 crashed during an airshow rehearsal in Poland; the pilot died.
- January 31, 2024: A US F-16C crashed in the Yellow Sea near South Korea; the pilot ejected safely.
