Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan in May 2025, a serious new flashpoint has emerged — Pakistan’s deployment of an American-supplied F-16 fighter jet, which was reportedly shot down by India near Sargodha air base, a key Pakistani military installation.
The incident occurred on the night of May 7–8, during heightened military activity following India’s Operation Sindoor, an air and ground retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
Sources told NDTV that the Pakistani F-16 took off from the Sargodha base, violating pre-established end-use conditions set by the United States. A Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) deployed by Indian defenses successfully intercepted and brought down the jet close to its launch point.
Diplomatic Firestorm Brewing
The incident has not only heightened military alert on both sides of the border but has also raised significant diplomatic concerns between New Delhi and Washington. Veteran politician Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, publicly questioned the legality of Pakistan’s F-16 deployment. He urged India's Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister to hold the United States accountable for allowing such a breach.
“Pakistan and its evil designs should be exposed to the whole world!” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Understanding the US-Pakistan F-16 Deal
The use of the F-16 is not just a tactical move — it’s a legal and diplomatic minefield. As per the End-Use Monitoring (EUM) agreement enforced by the US, Pakistan cannot freely deploy these jets for offensive military operations, particularly against another sovereign state like India.
The sale of F-16s to Pakistan began in the 1980s, initially to strengthen Pakistan’s counter-insurgency capabilities during the Cold War and US involvement in Afghanistan. Over the decades, several deals were signed, cancelled, and revived, most recently in 2022, when the Biden administration approved a $450 million upgrade package for Pakistan’s aging F-16 fleet.
Despite US statements that the jets are meant exclusively for counterterrorism purposes, Pakistan has used them in direct military confrontations, most notably during the 2019 Balakot airstrike aftermath.
Despite US statements that the jets are meant exclusively for counterterrorism purposes, Pakistan has used them in direct military confrontations, most notably during the 2019 Balakot airstrike aftermath.
Real-Time Monitoring… In Theory
Each F-16 sale to Pakistan comes with strict monitoring clauses, including oversight by a Technical Security Team (TST) — a group of US Air Force personnel based in Pakistan, responsible for tracking usage, maintenance, and deployment.
According to defense analysts, any deployment beyond Pakistani airspace or for offensive missions requires prior US approval. If this recent incident is verified, it could amount to a blatant breach of trust and end-use terms, potentially jeopardizing future arms deals.
Echoes of 2019
The May 2025 incident mirrors the 2019 aerial dogfight, when Indian Wing Commander (now Group Captain) Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16 before being captured in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He was later released on March 1 in a diplomatic gesture.
The re-emergence of the F-16 controversy highlights Pakistan’s continued use of US-supplied aircraft for strategic deterrence, despite assurances of limited use. India’s military and diplomatic circles are now demanding clarity from Washington.
