US to help upgrade Pakistan fighter fleet
Updated
The United States has confirmed reports that it plans to shift $US230 million in aid to Pakistan from counter-terrorism programs to upgrading the country's F-16 fighter jets.
White House spokeswoman Dana Perino says the F-16s made available to Pakistan are being used in counter terrorism operations and need to be maintained.
It is rejecting criticism that Pakistan wants the planes to be upgraded as part of its military rivalry with neighbouring India.
State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos says the upgrade will enhance the US-made fighter jets' ability to strike insurgents accurately.
"We believe that these upgrades that had already been approved will help, in that sense, help us fight this common foe, and that we believe that this is a positive way to help a friend," he said.
But some US lawmakers are angry with the proposed shift, saying Pakistan does not use its F-16s in support of the campaign against militants in its remote tribal areas.
In 2007, US lawmakers specified that the $300 million in US aid should to go to law enforcement or counter-terrorism.
Pakistan's prime minister will visit the White House next week for talks focusing on the effort to fight the Taliban and al-Qaeda.
