Washington: The United States of America on Saturday questioned Pakistan on the misuse of American-made F-16 fighter jets against India in violation of the end-user agreement.
The Indian Air Force, on Thursday, displayed parts of an AMRAAM beyond visual range air-to-air missile as evidence to prove that Pakistan deployed F-16 fighter jets during an aerial raid targeting Indian military installations in Kashmir. Additionally, IAF also mentioned of the digital signatures left by Pakistan’s F-16 while it infiltrated India’s territory. Pakistan has however denied the usage of the fighter aircraft.
According to Pentagon’s Defense Security and Cooperation Agency, F-16 jets were meant to be used to enhance Pakistan’s ability to conduct counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. The US sold the F-16s to Pakistan on condition that the latter shall only use it for defence purposes and not for cross-border pursuits.
Pakistan’s official reply is awaited.
On February 27, Pakistan’s F-16 violated the Indian air space in Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district. They were later shot down by India’s MiG 21.
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Ms Kalinga