F-16 delivery to Pak means military ties remains strong: US

The US today said the delivery of latest F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan this week reflects that it has maintained a strong military-to-military relationship with Islamabad, despite recent setbacks in their ties.

Updated on: Feb 8, 2012, 13:22:45 IST

PTI | By HT Correspondent, Washington

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The US on Wednesday said the delivery of latest F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan this week reflects that it has maintained a strong military-to-military relationship with Islamabad, despite recent setbacks in their ties.

"The programme represented by this transfer shows that despite setbacks in the bilateral relationship last year our mil-mil cooperation remains ongoing," Pentagon spokesman Commodore William Speaks said.

"We look forward to broadening, expanding, and improving this relationship moving forward," Speaks said in response to a question.

Pakistan on Monday had received the last of the 18 F-16 fighter jets from the US.

Speaks refuted reports that there was any delay in delivery of F-16.

"There was no delay. This final delivery was made as it had originally been scheduled," he said.

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.