NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Joe Biden
    United States of America
    COVID-19
    Russia-Ukraine crisis
    NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout


    India Business World Politics Sports Technology Entertainment Auto Lifestyle Inspirational Career Bengaluru Delhi Mumbai Visual Stories Find Cricket Statistics Phones Reviews Fitness Bands Reviews Speakers Reviews

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
     
    Home / News / World News / Pentagon isn't aware that US "counted" F-16s in Pakistan
    World

    Pentagon isn't aware that US "counted" F-16s in Pakistan

    Pentagon isn't aware that US "counted" F-16s in Pakistan
    Written by Shalini Ojha
    Apr 06, 2019, 01:12 pm 3 min read
    Pentagon isn't aware that US "counted" F-16s in Pakistan

    A day after Foreign Policy published a report claiming the US "counted" F-16s given to Pakistan and none of them were found missing, the Pentagon said it wasn't aware of any such investigation. The report had contradicted India's claims of shooting down an F-16 in a dogfight on February 27 and quoted two "senior US defense" officials. But IAF held its ground. Here's what happened.

    A bit about the dogfight and report in US magazine

    In February, a day after IAF jets breached Pakistani airspace to destroy Jaish-e-Mohammed's camp in Balakot, PAF attacked India's military establishments. Soon, IAF jets scrambled and PAF aircraft were chased away. After going for the F-16 kill, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthamana landed on the other side of LoC. Months later, Foreign Policy quoted two US defense officials who "confirmed" F-16s weren't missing in Pakistan.

    Defense department spokesperson sets record straight on news report

    According to HT, US defense department spokesman said they "weren't aware of any investigation". When asked to confirm the news report, the official said, "As a matter of policy, the Department does not publicly comment on details of government-to-government agreements on end-use monitoring of US-origin defense articles." The official, however, underscored that the US has stopped providing security assistance to Pakistan since January 2018.

    Even IAF didn't buy the report, claimed Abhinandan scripted history

    Notably, IAF reiterated its stand that Abhinandan shot down an F-16 while piloting his MiG-21 Bison. To support its claim, IAF showed two AWACS pictures, which were clicked eight seconds apart, on that day. The second picture showed an F-16 was missing. Moreover, IAF confirmed two pilots ejected. While one was Abhinandan, Pakistan didn't say anything on the second one.

    What exactly happened on February 27? Here's the answer

    Reportedly, a large force of PAF's F-16s, JF-17s and Mirage III/V aircraft tried to enter Indian airspace on February 27. Quite promptly, IAF's Su30-MKI, Mirage-2000 and MiG-21 Bisons intercepted the PAF jets and were guided by AWACS and ground radars. While JF-17s remained in the North, one F-16 came close to Abhinandan. He fired an R73 Archer missile.

    Pakistan can't use F-16 without speaking to US

    Notably, F-16s are manufactured by Lockheed Martin and policy allows the US to check aircraft in Pakistan's inventory. It's important to note that Pakistan can't use F-16 without the US' permission. It definitely can't use it for an "act of aggression". Despite the well-known rules, the US official whom FP "spoke" to, said it would be "naive" to expect Pakistan won't employ F-16s for its battles.

    Pakistan asked India to "speak the truth"

    The restrictions which the US has put on Pakistan is the reason the latter claimed F-16s weren't scrambled to attack India's military posts. So, when FP supported Pakistan's theory, Asif Ghafoor, the spokesperson of the Army, quickly questioned India. He claimed India's lies were busted and asked the Indian Army "to speak the truth about false claims and actual losses".

    Notably, India's story has been consistent all along

    Unlike Pakistan, India hasn't been changing its theories on what happened on February 27. When Abhinandan was in Pakistan's custody, Indian armed forces held a press conference to speak about his feat. The officials displayed pieces of an AMRAAM (advanced medium-range air-to-air missile), which Pakistan used in the combat. Other than F-16, no Pakistani jet is capable of firing this missile.

    Share this timeline
    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Latest
    Indian Air Force
    United States of America
    Pentagon
    Abhinandan Varthaman

    Latest

    Your guide to summer fashion trends 2023 Summer season
    OTT watchlist: 5 major titles releasing this weekend OTT releases
    #NewsBytesExplainer: Understanding casting direction—meaning, importance, prominent examples Mukesh Chhabra
    Top 100 companies must verify rumors, says SEBI: Here's why  Securities and Exchange Board of India

    Indian Air Force

    Delhi HC rejects petitions challenging Agnipath Scheme's constitutional validity  Delhi High Court
    MP: 12 South African cheetahs arrive at Kuno National Park Madhya Pradesh
    Operation Dost: India's 7th humanitarian aid flight reaches Syria, Turkey Earthquake
    India sends first batch of relief aid to earthquake-hit Turkey India

    United States of America

    Spouses of H-1B workers can work in US, rules judge H-1B Visa
    US nominee Ajay Banga to become World Bank president unopposed  World Bank
    WHO has good news for patients battling obesity; Know why World Health Organization
    Nashville school shooting: Video shows exact moment attacker was killed Shooting Incident

    Pentagon

    Syria: Iranian drone attack kills US contractor; peace on edge Syria
    Can't confirm: US on providing India intelligence about China's incursion United States of America
    US condemns Chinese intrusion in Arunachal Pradesh, recognizes 'McMahon line' United States of America
    Russian fighter jet collides with US drone over Black Sea Russia

    Abhinandan Varthaman

    Abhinandan Varthaman's MiG-21 Squadron retiring by September end Indian Air Force
    Abhinandan Varthaman, who shot down Pakistani jet, conferred Vir Chakra Narendra Modi
    Air Force Day: Abhinandan Varthaman leads MiG-21 Bison formation India
    Abhinandan's 51 Squadron to get citation for downing Pakistan's F-16 Pulwama

    Love World News?

    Subscribe to stay updated.

    World Thumbnail
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2023