Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the use of F-16 fighter jets by Pakistan has triggered a debate over whether Islamabad has violated the terms of its agreement with the United States. The US has supplied F-16s to Pakistan with specific end-use restrictions, raising concerns in the wake of recent clashes.
The Agreement and its Restrictions
The core of the issue lies in the agreement between the US and Pakistan regarding the F-16s. According to these agreements, Pakistan is prohibited from using F-16s or US-made weapons, such as AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, in conventional warfare without explicit approval from Washington. The intended use of these aircraft is primarily for counterterrorism operations, particularly in Pakistan's western tribal regions, rather than in direct conflicts with other states. While the documents don't explicitly mention India, the understanding is clear: F-16s are not meant to be used against India in war-like situations.
Prakash Ambedkar, a veteran Indian politician, has urged the Indian government to address the issue with the United States, emphasizing that the use of US-supplied F-16s against India constitutes a "gross violation" of the agreement. He has called for exposing Pakistan's actions and false claims on international platforms and has also suggested isolating Pakistan diplomatically and economically.
Past Instances and US Response
This isn't the first time Pakistan's use of F-16s has come under scrutiny. Following the 2019 Balakot air strikes, US officials investigated whether Pakistan had violated the F-16 agreement. Media reports in December 2019 revealed that the US had sent a letter of reprimand to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief, warning that moving F-16s to unauthorized bases could jeopardize their shared security. This public rebuke highlighted the seriousness with which the US views any misuse of these jets.
Recent Developments and Claims
In the recent escalation of tensions, India has claimed to have shot down a Pakistan Air Force F-16 near the Sargodha air base using a surface-to-air missile (SAM). Government sources indicate that Pakistan attempted to strike multiple locations in Jammu and Punjab. India also claimed to have destroyed a Pakistani Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft over Punjab Province. Pakistan has also launched a missile strike towards Rajasthan's Jaisalmer region, which was intercepted by India's air-defence network.
Pakistan's Perspective and Strategic Considerations
The F-16 is a crucial component of Pakistan's air force, acquired in the late 1980s and subsequently upgraded. Given its strategic importance, Pakistan's decision to deploy these jets in response to perceived threats is understandable from its perspective. However, the end-user agreement with the US places constraints on how these assets can be used.
Potential Consequences
If Pakistan is found to have violated the end-user agreement, it could face several consequences, including:
The situation remains complex, with both India and Pakistan making claims and counterclaims. The US government is yet to formally comment on the recent incidents and whether they constitute a breach of the F-16 agreement.
