Trump approves $686M F-16 arms deal for Pakistan, includes Link-16 tech

• US President Donald Trump approved a $686 million sale of hi-tech arms to Pakistan for its F-16 fleet.
• The package includes an advanced communication system (Link-16) and new avionics, extending the F-16 fleet's life into the 2040s.
• The sale supports US foreign policy and national security by maintaining interoperability with Pakistan for counterterrorism efforts.
• Link-16 is an encrypted, jam-resistant tactical data link for real-time sharing of combat data, voice, and imagery between military platforms.
• This system enables a Common Operating Picture and "beyond-line-of-sight" engagement, enhancing synergy in aerial warfare.

Why It Matters: US arms sale boosts Pakistan's F-16 capabilities, affecting regional military balance.