US keen to know if Pakistan used American-built F-16 jet to down Indian warplane

Pakistan’s usage of F-16 is potentially in violation of the US agreement under which Washington provided Pakistan with F-16 fighter jets for anti-terror operations in Afghanistan.

Pakistani F-16 fighter perform during a Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad on March 23, 2018. (Photo by AAMIR QURESHI / AFP)

New Delhi: As India provided evidence of deployment of US-built F-16 jets by Pakistan in the aerial strikes targeting Indian military posts, the US has said it was trying to keenly investigate the matter. A US State Department spokesperson has said: “we are aware of these reports (about usage of F-16) and are seeking more information. “We take all allegations of misuse of defense articles very seriously. The US Government does not comment on or confirm pending investigations of this nature,” the spokesperson said. The US embassy in Islamabad said that it was working to find out whether Pakistan has violated terms of US agreements by using the F-16 jet for cross-border incursion. Pakistan’s usage of F-16 is potentially in violation of the US agreement under which Washington provided Pakistan with F-16 fighter jets for anti-terror operations in Afghanistan, not for shooting down planes of other countries or for targeting military posts across border. Pakistan and India were involved in an aerial engagement this week in which an IAF pilot was captured in Pakistan in an incident that alarmed global powers and sparked fears of a war. Pakistan downed one of India’s MIG jets, while India struck down a Pakistani F-16 jet, which was carrying an AMRAAM missile for targeting military posts. Pakistan denied India’s claim about the F-16s. However, India exposed Pakistan in a joint conference by India’s Navy, Army and Air Force, where the chiefs of the Indian Armed Forces produced the wreckage of the AMRAAM missile which only F-16 jet of Pakistan can carry. As the stand-off between the two countries appeared to be easing, the US said on Sunday it was looking into reports that Pakistan used F-16 jets to shoot down the Indian pilot, a potential violation of Washington’s military sale agreements that limit how Pakistan can use the planes. Pakistan has bought several US military hardware in the years after 2001 when it was seen as a key partner in the US-led war on terror in Afghanistan. At that time, Pakistan bought several batches of F-16 planes. Later their relations soured and the US cut off the subsidized arms sale in the year 2016. After denying usage of F-16, fearing US’ anger, Pakistan has not specified which jet it used against India.