ISLAMABAD – Pakistan can use F-16s against India or not, the answer is inthe affirmative with a multi-billion dollars deal behind the outragestirred by India and the US.
The aerial combat between Pakistan and India after latter’s repeatedviolation of the Line of Control brought the nuclear-armed neighbours tothe brink of full-blown war with Pakistan scrambling its aircraft to foilIndia’s nefarious plans.
The subsequent deals made between Pakistan and US over the use of F-16confirmed that the armed forces of the country are fully authorized to usethe aircraft against India.
“Pakistan Air Force has F-16s in service since 1983. Its conditions of enduser agreement as for many other buyers include non-use against US and NATOmembers and non-supply/sharing technology with US/NATO adversaries.Pakistan can use them against anyone if needed to defend,”.
Pakistan signed deals for procurement of F-16 before and after the 9/11tragedy, however, there are no strings attached to the deal.View image on Twitterlink[image: View image on Twitter]link
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In 2005, Pakistan signed an agreement with the US for F-16 with nocondition, however, the following deal bound Pakistan to take actionagainst terrorists – without any mention of restriction to use againstIndia.
The ‘take action against terrorists’ did not compel Pakistan to use theaircraft against terrorists only, contrary to the reports that emergedafter the mid-air clash between Pakistan and India last week.
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Having explained the zero conditions about the use of F-16 against Indiabothers one to think as to why India and the US are concerned about the useof aircraft?
Solving the puzzle is a bit complicated, however, an upcoming potentialdeal serves as an answer.
Lockheed Martin, the makers of F-16, is pitching India F-16 Block 70s andNew Delhi would acquire 110 if it gets selected with a deal worth approx 15billion US Dollars.
The public outcry is all about appeasing India as the US is desperate toget this deal done, be it F-18 or F-16 who are competing for it among othercompetitors.
If Washington successfully appeases India, there would be more dollarsrolling for the US weapons complex and that’s the reason as to why USembassy official said the government was looking into the matter and takesviolations seriously.
In fact, Pakistan had used F-16 against India in the Kargil conflict,however, as per the spokesperson of the armed forces, F-16 was not used toshoot down Indian aircraft, stated Moon.
What confirms the approval of usage of F-16 against India is that Pakistanreceived air to air missiles along with the procurement of F-16 in thelatest shipment and such missiles can be used against Pakistan’s easternnighbour instead of terrorists.
In case, US tries to get closer to India for the above-mentioned deal, itcan simply stop the sale of spare parts and further munitions-related toF-16s of Pakistan.
