US report says F-16 sale to tilt scales further

Quoting Indian perceptions over Pakistan’s enhanced nuclear delivery capability with new F-16s, the report says, “The 32 F-16s that Pakistan already fields are believed to be nuclear capable, additional F-16s don’t appear to introduce new capabilities but may expand existing ones.”

The issues raised in the Congressional report cover everything from the spill-over to diplomatic relations to military implications vis-a-vis China and Russia, and touches upon the uncertainty for the US military-industry complex itself. Consider the following points raised by the report:

• The report is cautiously neutral on China, offering both points of view: “Some laud increased US-India security ties as providing potential counterbalance to Chinese influence in the region, but the emergence of an overt counterweight alliance is viewed by many as both misguided and unlikely.”

• It articulates concerns that have churned since the March 24 announcement of President Bush’s new vision for South Asia — that India would use the US offer as leverage to get more sophisticated equipment from its traditional military partner, Russia.

• It raises concerns over potential transfer of technology and local production of combat fighters as part of the deal.