Amidst escalating tensions, an F-16 supersonic fighter jet belonging to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was reportedly shot down on Thursday evening by an Indian surface-to-air missile defense system. This event occurred against the backdrop of Pakistan's attempts to target Jammu with drones and missiles, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

Details of the Incident

According to sources, the F-16 took off from Sargodha air base, a crucial air force station for Pakistan, and was intercepted near the same location by an Indian Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM). Following India's "Operation Sindoor" on Wednesday, tensions have risen, leading to fierce retaliation. India Today reports that along with the F-16, two JF-17 fighter jets were also downed on Thursday night. The Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) stated that the Indian Armed Forces neutralized the threat using both kinetic and non-kinetic means, with no losses on the Indian side.

In response to these attacks, blackouts were imposed in several areas of Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar, Samba, Jammu, Akhnoor, Udhampur, and Kishtwar, as well as in the Punjab cities of Jalandhar and Amritsar.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon: Capabilities and Limitations

The F-16, manufactured by Lockheed Martin (originally General Dynamics), is a multirole, single-engine, fourth-generation fighter jet known for its maneuverability and agility. It achieves this through its fly-by-wire flight control system. Capable of exceeding speeds of Mach 2, it can carry a substantial payload of weapons, making it a versatile asset for various missions, including air defense, interception, and strike operations.

Later models, such as the Block 52+, boast advanced radar systems (AN/APG-68(V)9) and electronic warfare capabilities, and can be armed with sophisticated missiles like the AIM-120C5 AMRAAM for beyond-visual-range combat. The F-16A/Bs of the 1980s were equipped with electronic countermeasures (ECM) technology, which allowed them to jam enemy radars.

However, the PAF's F-16 fleet faces certain restrictions and challenges. The United States has placed end-use limitations on these aircraft, preventing Pakistan from employing them against India in offensive operations. These restrictions also extend to counter-terrorism and internal defense roles, with the US monitoring their usage for compliance. Maintenance has also been a persistent issue due to financial constraints and delays in the supply of spare parts from the US.

Historical Context and Strategic Implications

Pakistan acquired its initial F-16s in 1983 from the United States under the "Peace Gate" program during the Cold War era. Further acquisitions and upgrades followed, particularly in the 2000s, when the US committed to selling new F-16C/D Block 50/52+ aircraft and upgrading existing ones.

The downing of the F-16 comes after the Balakot air strikes in 2019, during which an Indian MiG-21, piloted by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, shot down a Pakistani F-16 in aerial combat. This incident marked the first dogfight between the two countries in over 45 years, since the 1971 war.

India's Response and Air Defense Systems

In response to Pakistan's recent aggression, India has activated its air defense systems along the border. The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully neutralized a large-scale drone and missile attack, leveraging a multi-tiered air defense network that includes the Akash, MRSAM, and Zu-23 systems. India also used the S-400 missile defense system to intercept Pakistani missiles.

The Shifting Balance of Air Power

The incident has brought the balance of air power between India and Pakistan into sharp focus. While the F-16 has been a mainstay of the PAF, India has been modernizing its air force with the induction of aircraft like the Rafale. The Rafale, equipped with advanced missiles like the Meteor, is considered a formidable asset in the region.

Despite being a capable platform, the aging F-16s may not play a critical role in future conflicts. Pakistan has been turning to Chinese-made J-10C Vigorous Dragon fighter jets, which offer superior speed, range, radar, and missile capabilities.