Press Releases 2007
Remarks by Ambassador Anne W. Patterson at the F-16 Hand-Over Ceremony, Pakistan Air Force Base, Mushaf, Sargodha
07/10/2007
F-16 HAND-OVER CEREMONY
JULY 10, 2007
REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR ANNE W. PATTERSON
Good afternoon. Salum alaikum.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshall Tanvir, Air Marshall Shahid Lateef, Air Vice Marshall Atique Rafiq, Lt Gen Gary North, Commander of United States Air Forces Central Command, distinguished Airmen of the Pakistan Air Force, other distinguished guests and friends:
Thank you for inviting me to participate in this important ceremony at Mushaf Air Base. We are here to witness the delivery of these two F-16 fighter aircraft to our allies and comrades in arms of the Pakistan Air Force. The United States is proud to be your partner in bringing greater stability and security to your country and to this vital region of the world.
This ceremony is symbolic of our commitment to assist Pakistan in improving its ability to secure its territory. These aircraft, in the hands of the brave airmen of the Pakistan Air Force, will provide a stronger defensive shield behind which Pakistan can continue to strengthen the institutions of a democratic government, to promote a strong and vibrant economy, and to improve the daily lives of its citizens.
I am pleased this is my first opportunity to attend a joint ceremony with our friends in Pakistan. I said at the celebration of U.S. national day, the Fourth of July, that the history of friendship and close relations between the United States and Pakistan is as old as Pakistan’s independence. Both nations were founded on ideals, not just geographical happenstance, and both were founded in adversity. Americans and Pakistanis, as do people everywhere, share a desire for a better future for their children. But it is also important to acknowledge that relations between Pakistan and the United States have had their ups and downs and that we have had our differences. These differences have often played out in unpredictable ways, including the provision of military sales and assistance. That is one reason why this ceremony is important: it symbolizes our intent to remain engaged with Pakistan over the long term, just as we do with other important allies and friends. America and Pakistan now live in a world changed by extremism and terrorism. These forces, if allowed to go unchecked, will imperil our two countries and many others, and will retard democratic and economic development.
The F-16 program has a number of elements. I would like to explain clearly what they are, because there has been a lot of confusion about this effort. This is a three-part process: the refurbishment of old aircraft, the outright purchase of new aircraft and weapons, and the modernization of Pakistan’s current F-16s.
The two F-16 fighters we are delivering today are the first of twenty-six F-16 fighters taken from the U.S. air force that we will provide to Pakistan over the next several years. They will be modernized with U.S. assistance.
Pakistan is also acquiring with its own funds eighteen new Block 52 F-16 fighter aircraft, the most advanced models of the F-16 fleet. Delivery will begin in 2010.
Finally, the United States will assist in modernizing the existing F-16 fleet of the Pakistan Air Force.
This total F-16 package will be delivered over the next seven years. When this effort is complete, the Pakistan Air Force will have a significantly higher level of capability and confidence in defending its homeland. While I cannot put a dollar figure on future assistance, let me also note that the maintenance and modernization commitments in support of the F-16s will solidify U.S. engagement over the next 20 to 30 years. This represents a long-term, strategic commitment to the Pakistani people.
I would like to stress that the U.S. commitment to help Pakistan goes beyond military assistance. For a nation to be strong and safe, it must be strong internally, in its democratic institutions, in its educational system, in its economy, and in its ability to provide for its people.
The United States is committed to assisting in all of these areas. Most immediately, I want to assure you of America’s support for the process of democratic elections -- which are soon to take place in Pakistan -- and our continued economic aid.
I know the sale of F-16s to Pakistan has a long and tortured history, and I am very pleased today that we can begin to put some of that history behind us. Our relationship with Pakistan is based on our shared values and on shared strategic interests. Let me reiterate how pleased I am to be here today. I look forward to working with you on the entire range of our bilateral issues. Allow me to once again recognize and compliment the courage and professionalism of the Pakistan Air Force and their colleagues in the Pakistan Army and Navy.