01-16-2014, 12:43 AM
LRRPF52 Wrote:The US has been selling F-16's to Pakistan for decades, in addition to scores of other military hardware. The first things the Paki's did with our F-16's was equip them to deliver nukes provided by China, which resulted in the Reagan Administration cutting off defense trade with Pakistan.
When the CIA ramped up their covert war against the Soviets in Afghanistan, the Paki's said they were totally willing to help, but they needed the embargo lifted, and they no longer wanted first generation F-16A/B's anymore, they wanted the latest F-16C. Currently, we have been selling them one of the most advanced F-16C/D Block 52 suites that is really a different plane in so many ways compared to the 1980's.
Since Pakistan has sea ports and roads that lead to Afghanistan, they hold the cards when dealing with the US and our need to get war materials through the Hindu Kush mountains into land-locked Afghanistan.
As to the DTA, I think this is an example of social responsibility demonstrated by a company that was in a position to profit significantly from the move. Pakistan doesn't really buy anything from the US, rather they use Foreign Military Aid provided by the US to purchase products exclusively from the US as part of the deal. Everyone in D.C. is happy as there is plenty of money to be spread around, and the State Department couldn't care less. Congress rains money on the districts that manufacture the advanced technology, and everyone goes home fat and happy.
Lrpf52 you have a pretty outstanding knowledge of history.