We reported that Pakistan received two F-16s, even though Pakistani officials said they would hold off on a planned purchase of 80 new Vipers to save money for earthquake relief. The two recently delivered fighters were “gratis” from Congress, according to officials at Ogden Air Logistics Center. The ALC says the two F-16s were “excess defense articles” that they reconfigured to have the latest avionics and other upgrades approved for Pakistan. These two latest F-16s are more advanced than the ones currently flown by the Pakistan Air Force.
The Air Force is renaming its traditional aviation bonus program in 2024 and continuing a new, experimental second program, ordered by Congress, aimed at getting aviators to extend their commitment sooner and for longer. While the programs can’t be doubled-up, aviators may be able to move from one to the…