New Delhi: India has given proof to the United States about the use of F-16 fighters and AMRAAM (AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile) beyond visual range air-to-air missile by Pakistan during its unsuccessful aerial raid targeting Indian military installations on February 27.
Official sources on Tuesday said, India was confident that Washington was carrying out a thorough investigation into the use of the US-manufactured fighter jet as well as the missile onboard it in the offensive operation against India.
“The F-16 fired four to Five AMRAAM missiles from a beyond visual range distance of around 40-50 km at Indian planes including the Sukhoi in the engagement on February 27 but they all missed the target,” sources added.
As part of the purchasing agreement, the US had put restrictions and reportedly barred Pakistan from using the F-16s against any third country.
After the Pulwama attack, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting a JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26.
The next day, Pakistan Air Force tried to target Indian military installation in Kashmir but was thwarted by the IAF which lost a MiG-21 while its pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured. He was handed over to India on Friday.
India wants to send a clear message to the world that Pakistan is the epicentre of terrorism and has been harbouring terrorists.
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