Posted on 07/01/2010 4:43:29 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
F-16 aircraft to the Government of Pakistan from the United States during an induction ceremony today at Shahbaz Air Base near Jacobabad, Pakistan.
"The induction of these advanced F-16s is a historic milestone for U.S.-Pakistan relations - both a symbolic and tangible demonstration of our strong partnership and the U.S. intent to stand beside Pakistan over the long-term as an important ally and friend," said Amb. Anne Patterson, U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan. "These aircraft underscore the promise made by the United States to support Pakistan to achieve our mutual goals of defeating violent extremists and establishing peace and security."
U.S. and Pakistani officials attending the ceremony included Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Pakistan Air Force Chief of Air Staff; Amb. Patterson; U.S. Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff; Air Marshal Mohammad Hassan, PAF Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations; U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage, U.S. Air Forces Central Command commander, and U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Michael LeFever, U.S. Defense Representative to Pakistan. Approximately 300 Pakistani and U.S. officials attended the event.
"Pakistan's new F-16s will give PAF pilots and Pakistan's military an unprecedented advantage against extremist groups who threaten Pakistan and the region by enabling precision targeting in all-weather conditions, during both day and night, while reducing potential for collateral damage," said Vice Adm. LeFever. "The aircraft will also enable increased tactical interoperability between the PAF, the U.S. Air Force and ISAF Coalition air forces - greatly bolstering our ability to jointly communicate, coordinate and work together to achieve common goals while boosting the PAF's status as a world-class air force."
(Excerpt) Read more at defencetalk.com ...
Don’t forget, they promised not to use them if they fight India.
Ping
Hey, they can buy them too if they want.
Arming Muslims is just foolish.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.