Pakistan May Be Forced to Phase Out US-Supplied F-16 Fighter Jets Due to Engine Problems
In the past three years, several F-16 engines have been rejected—mainly due to mechanical issues, long-term wear and tear, and an acute shortage of spare parts.
Pakistan may be compelled to gradually retire the F-16 fighter jets supplied by the United States — once considered the pride of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
At present, Pakistani F-16s are facing serious technical challenges, indicating that the PAF may have to ground its entire fleet in the near future.
According to reliable information accessed by News18, the Pakistan Air Force is currently under significant operational pressure owing to recurring engine-related issues impacting its ageing fleet of F-16 fighter aircraft.
The F-16s — widely recognised as the mainstay of PAF’s air power — rely on Pratt & Whitney’s F100 engines, specifically the F100-PW-200 and F100-PW-229 variants. Over the last three years, dozens of these engines have been rejected due to mechanical faults, prolonged usage, and a critical lack of spare parts.
The reliability crisis has been made worse by the United States’ stringent export rules that govern the supply and sale of original engine parts. Pakistan’s recent financial difficulties have resulted in delayed or missed payments to the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme. As a result, the delivery of essential engine parts and maintenance kits has come to a halt. This situation has pushed Pakistan’s only advanced, all-weather multirole fighter jets toward possible grounding, severely limiting their availability for combat readiness — a major setback for national air defence.
The root of the issue lies not just in the ageing and worn condition of the F-16s, but also in the rigid restrictions enforced by the US — including tight monitoring of jet operations and strict regulation of replacement parts supply. As per the most recent agreement between the US and Pakistan, the F-16s are subject to American supervision, restricted to operating from designated airbases, and bound by defined roles. This further complicates efforts to keep the fleet operational, since any breakdown or delay in this arrangement could disrupt logistics and further reduce readiness.
The consequences are significant: many F-16 aircraft remain grounded at any given time, awaiting spares or repairs. This weakens the PAF’s capacity to maintain surveillance or respond swiftly during emergencies. The resulting gap in capability has led to increased reliance on the JF-17 Thunder — a jointly developed combat aircraft by China and Pakistan. However, the JF-17, which is powered by Russian RD-93 engines, also faces challenges, such as spare part shortages due to sanctions on Russia and reported performance concerns — making it an imperfect alternative.
At present, Pakistan finds itself in a strategically fragile position, with its top-tier fighter fleet suffering from reduced effectiveness due to outdated technology, limited spare parts access, and both financial and diplomatic roadblocks. Unless Pakistan is able to resolve the F-16 engine crisis — either by renewed cooperation with the US or by finding a workable substitute — the PAF will continue to face operational pressure, affecting its deterrence capabilities and national security flexibility.
Pakistan’s Defence Procurement from China & Turkey
Unmanned Aerial Systems via NASTP
Through the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park (NASTP), the Pakistan Air Force is actively expanding its drone and unmanned aerial capabilities. This procurement is being facilitated via M/S Gwalpha Tech Pvt. Ltd., a domestic company overseeing the sourcing and integration of aerospace platforms.
These acquisitions reflect the PAF’s growing focus on autonomous systems for surveillance and precision strikes. The role of a local firm under NASTP shows Pakistan’s attempt to build domestic capability in defence technology.
Defence Acquisitions from China (NORINCO)
Pakistan continues to deepen its defence cooperation with China through large-scale imports of artillery, armoured vehicles, and ammunition. NORINCO (China North Industries Corporation) is the main supplier.
These acquisitions enhance the Pakistan Army’s firepower and battlefield mobility, while also reinforcing its dependence on Chinese equipment for mechanised warfare. The inclusion of support systems helps extend the service life of key assets like the VT4 main battle tank.
Defence Cooperation with Turkey
Pakistan’s strategic partnership with Turkey has grown across the naval, aerospace, and drone sectors. This includes co-development, technology sharing, and collaborative manufacturing.
Turkish defence assets like the MILGEM-class corvettes and Bayraktar drones have provided Pakistan with important capabilities in maritime security and unmanned combat. While the stalled T-129 attack helicopter deal highlights the limitations caused by US export restrictions, the overall defence collaboration points to long-term potential in joint defence production.
