"The F-16s they have are used in counterterrorism operations," White House Press Secretary Dana Perino told reporters. "We made them available to the Pakistanis, and they need to be maintained."

She thus confirmed the day's New York Times report that the Bush administration plans to shift nearly $230 million in aid to Pakistan to upgrade the planes, built by Lockheed Martin Corp.

Washington has been making efforts to cement relations with new Pakistani leaders, with Bush scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani at the White House next week.

Perino said Islamabad is "facing a lot of pressure from a severe fiscal situation" brought on in part by rising food prices and energy prices and that "they need assistance from the United States."

"I don't think anyone's talking about not continuing to provide aid to the Pakistanis," she added.

However, the Times reported that "some members of Congress have greeted the proposal with dismay and anger, and may block the move" as they believe F-16s do not help counterterrorism missions.

U.S. legislators have previously limited military assistance to Pakistan in counterterrorism and law enforcement activities against al-Qaida and the Taliban.