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Belgian F-16's for Pakistan?

August 18, 2003 (by Bjorn Claes) - Yesterday, a spokesman of the Belgian Defense Secretary André Flahaut, has confirmed that Pakistan made a formal request to buy an unspecified number (possibly up to as much as 40) of its stored F-16's.
The official stated that the request was being examined but that no decision has yet been made. The biggest hurdle to overcome is a possible rejection of the request by the US authorities. Following the acquisition of the F-16's by Belgium in 1975, it is stated in the contract that the F-16 can only be sold to a third party with the US giving its consent.

A Belgian politician stated that this couldn't be much of a problem, considering the improved relationship between Pakistan and its rival India. However, looking at the fact that the US recently refused to deliver the already built and AMARC stored F-16's to Pakistan, it is very doubtfull that the US will give in now. Current Belgian-US tensions won't be helpful either.