US Offers F-16 Fighter Jets to India Amid Strategic Military Outreach

Major General David A Piffarerio announced the US's readiness to offer F-16 jets to India, emphasizing potential future strength for the Indian Air Force. The move follows recent approvals for F-16 sales to Taiwan, aimed at enhancing regional security. The proposed sales support economic, political, and military goals.

Major General David A Piffarerio, Mobilization Assistant to the Deputy Commander of the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), announced on Thursday that the United States is prepared to offer F-16 fighter jets to India. Speaking with reporters on India's defense sector, Major General Piffarerio stated, "The more options that are out there, I think the stronger the Indian Air Force is going to be in the future."

He added, "We certainly want to give them the best that we have -- the F-16s. But ultimately it's going to be a choice for the Indian Air Force on what they want to do with their air defense." In June, the US State Department had announced the clearance of two possible sales to Taiwan of F-16 parts and supporting equipment, valued at a total of USD 300 million.

According to the Pentagon's Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), these packages would include standard (USD 220 million) and non-standard (USD 80 million) spare and repair parts, components, consumables, and accessories for F-16 aircraft, as well as other technical and logistics support services. The DSCA reported that the proposed sales would further strengthen Taiwan's requirements to meet current and future threats by maintaining the operational readiness of their fleet of F-16 aircraft.

The DSCA further noted that the package would also support regional economic growth, political stability, military balance, and enhanced Taiwanese security. The US Congress has been informed of the possible sales. However, the permission does not imply that an agreement has been signed for the equipment, Focus Taiwan reported.

(With inputs from agencies.)