Pakistan denying use of F-16s as US bars them from ‘offensive role

Highlights

• US laws, in fact, bar the use of F-16 fighters in an “offensive role” against a country
• IAF radars had picked up “electronic signatures” of the F-16s that formed part of the “large package” of Pakistani aircraft that tried to bomb Indian military installations: Air Vice Marshal

Pakistan tried very hard to deny it used F-16s for the air intrusion, or that one of them was shot down, because it obtained the fighters from the US from the mid-1980s onwards under the guise of the global fight against terrorism. US laws, in fact, bar use of the fighters in an “offensive role” against a country.

Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said IAF radars had picked up “electronic signatures” of the F-16s that formed part of the “large package” of Pakistani aircraft that tried to bomb Indian military installations. Moreover, parts of an AIM-120C advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM), which is only carried by F-16s in Pakistan’s combat fleet, was recovered east of Rajouri within Indian territory.

There were also reports that the Pakistani pilot of the F-16 which India said was shot down was assaulted by locals in PoK who failed to recognise his identity. He was taken to hospital and, mistaken for an Indian, Pakistan declared that two Indian pilots were in its custody. The mistake was corrected even though Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, too, repeated the incorrect claim.

“There is enough evidence to show F-16s were used in this mission and Pakistan is trying to hide this fact. The fact remains one F-16 was shot down by our MiG-21 Bison fighter,” he said, flaying “factually incorrect statements” made by Pakistan.

Pakistani military’s publicity wing ISPR’s release of pictures of India’s crashed MiG-21 was also dismissed. “The debris shown, in fact, is of its own F-16 fighter. A picture shows an engine’s outer casing … it is certainly not that of a MiG-21,” another officer said.

 timesofindia

Indian Army & BSF on high alert: Pakistan vacates border villagers, moves troops

Pakistan has vacated civilians at border villages and has begun massive mobilisation of troops, tanks and other armoured material along the line of control and international border. The mobilisation started two days after Jaishe-Mohammad’s terror strike killed 40 CRPF jawans in J&K’s Pulwama.

According to Indian officials, several infantry units under Pakistan’s defensive formations are at LoC and its strike formations are ready. Pakistan’s ‘precautionary’ measures have prompted India to strengthen its defences along LoC and international border with ground-based defences and mechanised formations.

“Our ground based defence systems have been put on alert along the LoC and some parts of IB, Mechanised formations too have been placed on standby. We are fully prepared to respond to any provocation by Pakistan,” said Additional Director General Military Operations Major General SS Mahal.

“Pakistan have either moved or emptied villages in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Fresh deployment means the troop strength has increased along LoC. Right behind, they are supported by armoured columns,” another official said. Units from defensive formations such as Rawalpindi-based 10 Corps and 30 Corps in Gujranwala are among those that have moved close to the border. An armoured column consists of tanks and infantry combat vehicles. They are meant to defend and if needed to punch through rival defences.

Indian intelligence have satellite imagery about Pakistan’s troop movements. Pakistan military mobilisation is heavier at the Rajasthan border. The terrain is suitable for mechanised warfare. The Pakistani defences are meant to prevent its adversary from accessing roads.

Lahore based 4 Corps and Karachi based 5 Corps look after operations in the region. Some of them are ‘strike’ elements such as 7 and 9 infantry divisions, two armoured divisions and reserves such as the Army Reserve South, Army Reserve North and also an Army Reserve Centre. “Even Pakistan’s offensive formations are being prepared, although they have not been moved,” said an official.

Several expressways in Karachi have been shut for traffic too to enable fighter aircraft to use them as runways. “Pakistan has also launched an alert in Karachi. It has blocked expressways so that aircraft such as fighters and transport aircraft can be launched,” said an official.

 economictimes

UAE stands firm on Organisation of Islamic Cooperation invite to India

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) strongly defended the decision to invite India as a guest of honour to the meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers which it is hosting on March 1-2, Pakistan’s strong objection and threat to boycott the event notwithstanding.

Its top leadership conveyed to the Indian government that the UAE was looking forward to external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj’s visit for the OIC meet, brushing aside Pakistan’s objections, people aware of the matter told ET.

In Abu Dhabi, besides delivering a lecture at the OIC plenary, Swaraj will hold bilateral meetings with some of her counterparts from the members of the grouping.

Pakistan had threatened to boycott the meeting if the invitation to India was not withdrawn. It claimed that Turkey was also opposed to Swaraj’s speech at the plenary. However, Turkey has backed Bangladesh in demanding OIC reforms to seek India’s participation.

“The invite to India on the occasion of 50th anniversary of OIC is all the more significant,” said one person.

“Fifty years ago, Pakistan forced India’s withdrawal from the OIC meet. However, today most OIC member states seek engagement with India given its pluralist track record, economic potential and global stature. It is only befitting that India has been invited as a guest of honour while Russia and Thailand are observers to OIC.”

Experts said voice of moderation was gaining strength among OIC member states, with the UAE leading from the front, and that engagement with India would play an important role in that process. The visit of the Pope to the UAE was a landmark event, as was the visit of a UAE minister to the Vatican, they said. Other key OIC member states including Saudi Arabia, North African states and Southeast Asian countries are also in favour of moderation, they said.

India’s trade with the 57-member grouping stands at $230 billion and 12 million Indians reside in these countries.

 economictimes

24 Pak Jets Tried To Cross Over, Intercepted By 8 Air Force Fighters

 

The Wing Commander was in hot pursuit of a Pakistani F-16 jet, which he engaged with an R-73 air-to-air missile. 

 As India waited for the release of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who is in Pakistan's custody, exclusive details emerged on the unprecedented air combat operation along the Line of Control, where a package of 24 Pakistani aircraft were intercepted by eight IAF fighters, which included a MiG 21 Bison he was piloting.

The Wing Commander was in hot pursuit of a Pakistani F-16 jet, which he engaged with an R-73 air-to-air missile.  The state-of-the-art Pakistani fighter, thought to be a two-seater variant of the jet, was shot down. Both pilots were seen parachuting down on the Pakistani side of the Line of Control.
NDTV has learnt that the Pakistani Air Force strike package included eight F-16s, four Mirage-3 aircraft, four Chinese made JF-17 "Thunder" fighter.
Other aircraft in the formation were escort fighters to protect the Pakistan strike formation from any IAF retaliation. The large Pakistani attack formation was detected at 9.45 am, when they came within 10 km of the Line of Control.
A small number of these fighters then proceeded to cross the Line of Control, when they were intercepted by eight IAF jets, which included four Sukhoi 30s, two upgraded Mirage 2000s and two MiG 21 Bisons.
The Air Force fighters gave chase to the Pakistani jets on their return leg after they had dropped a handful of laser-guided bombs that narrowly missed their military targets along the Line of Control.
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was in hot pursuit of a Pakistani F-16, which his radar had locked onto.
Despite being warned by other aircraft in the formation about the presence of Pakistani fighters, he pushed home his attack and fired an R-73 air-to-air missile.
At this stage of the air-to-air encounter, the pilot's wingman was also exposed and vulnerable.
Two missiles were fired by Pakistani F-16s. One of them, an AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) struck his aircraft, while another missed his wingman.
The Wing Commander was forced to eject and landed into the Pakistani side of Line of Control, where he was captured. Pakistan has announced that he will be released tomorrowEarly on Wednesday, Pakistan circulated videos of the pilot, where he was seen being interrogated -- wounded, tied up and blindfolded. The clips were, however, taken off once New Delhi accused Pakistan of violating the Geneva Convention for prisoners. A video circulated later showed the pilot sipping tea, saying he was being 'well looked after" by officers of the Pakistani army.

 ndtv

24 Pak Jets Tried To Cross Over, Intercepted By 8 Air Force Fighters

The Wing Commander was in hot pursuit of a Pakistani F-16 jet, which he engaged with an R-73 air-to-air missile. 

 As India waited for the release of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who is in Pakistan's custody, exclusive details emerged on the unprecedented air combat operation along the Line of Control, where a package of 24 Pakistani aircraft were intercepted by eight IAF fighters, which included a MiG 21 Bison he was piloting.

The Wing Commander was in hot pursuit of a Pakistani F-16 jet, which he engaged with an R-73 air-to-air missile.  The state-of-the-art Pakistani fighter, thought to be a two-seater variant of the jet, was shot down. Both pilots were seen parachuting down on the Pakistani side of the Line of Control.
NDTV has learnt that the Pakistani Air Force strike package included eight F-16s, four Mirage-3 aircraft, four Chinese made JF-17 "Thunder" fighter.
Other aircraft in the formation were escort fighters to protect the Pakistan strike formation from any IAF retaliation. The large Pakistani attack formation was detected at 9.45 am, when they came within 10 km of the Line of Control.
A small number of these fighters then proceeded to cross the Line of Control, when they were intercepted by eight IAF jets, which included four Sukhoi 30s, two upgraded Mirage 2000s and two MiG 21 Bisons.
The Air Force fighters gave chase to the Pakistani jets on their return leg after they had dropped a handful of laser-guided bombs that narrowly missed their military targets along the Line of Control.
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was in hot pursuit of a Pakistani F-16, which his radar had locked onto.
Despite being warned by other aircraft in the formation about the presence of Pakistani fighters, he pushed home his attack and fired an R-73 air-to-air missile.
At this stage of the air-to-air encounter, the pilot's wingman was also exposed and vulnerable.
Two missiles were fired by Pakistani F-16s. One of them, an AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) struck his aircraft, while another missed his wingman.
The Wing Commander was forced to eject and landed into the Pakistani side of Line of Control, where he was captured. Pakistan has announced that he will be released tomorrow.

COMMENT

Early on Wednesday, Pakistan circulated videos of the pilot, where he was seen being interrogated -- wounded, tied up and blindfolded. The clips were, however, taken off once New Delhi accused Pakistan of violating the Geneva Convention for prisoners. A video circulated later showed the pilot sipping tea, saying he was being 'well looked after" by officers of the Pakistani army.

 ndtv

The AMRAAM Missile Which India Recovered Proving Pak F-16 Jet Tried To Attack Indian Military Bases

• AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile or AMRAAM is a medium-range, air-to-air missile. 
• Pakistan Air Force in early 2006 placed an order for 500 AIM-120C-5 AMRAAM missiles under the F-16 ammunition contract worth $650 million. 

Pakistan brazenly denied India's claim of their F-16 Aircraft being shot, the DG ISPR has further claimed that Pakistan Air Force did not use F-16 during the operation and maintained that no Aircraft of Pakistan has been struck.
Exposing another lie after accessing pictures of the downed Pakistan Air Force F-16, now a piece of AMRAAM missile fired at India has been retrieved.
Here is all you need to know about AMRAAM: 

• AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile or AMRAAM is a medium-range, air-to-air missile. 
• It has a length of 3.6 meters, 17.7 cm of diameter and a wingspan of 52.5cm. The missile is capable of carrying 18.1kg high-explosive blast fragmentation and has a range of 40-50 kilometer
• Procured by 37 countries, the missile is integrated with combat aircraft such as F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, Typhoon, Gripen, Tornado, Harrier, F-4, and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
• AMRAAM ER can be produced for a 'comparatively low-cost' to other missiles of the same category. 
• The latest versions of F-16 aircraft can support AIM-120 AMRAAMs
• Pakistan Air Force in early 2006 placed an order for 500 AIM-120C-5 AMRAAM missiles under the F-16 ammunition contract worth $650 million. 

On Wednesday, Republic TV had first accessed and authenticated visuals of the Indian Air Force scattering Pakistan's formation and causing the F-16s to scarper, while another video captured the exact moment that the F-16 was shot down, crashing down toward Earth, no more than a ball of flame, with the locals who shot the video making abundantly clear that a parachute had also deployed as the pilot ejected.
Later, in a classic case, the Pakistani pilot who ejected from the F-16 was identified and taken into custody by his own country which took hours to correct its blunder. Pakistan also barred its media from disclosing that its fighter jet was downed.
After IAF foiled Pakistan's attempt to attack military installations on Wednesday, Pakistan a day after pleading to 'give peace a chance' tried to again violate India's airspace by intrusion on Thursday morning.
Tensions steeply escalated between the two when Islamabad responded with a military confrontation to New Delhi's counter-terrorism operation on Pak-backed Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps, who claimed responsbility of the ghastly Pulwama attack that martyred 40 jawans.

republicworld

Over 20 Pakistani Aircraft Breached Indian Airspace, Forces Ready to Move at Short Notice: Sources

The sources said Pakistan’s claims that its air force did not target Indian military installations during the intrusion were false, adding that the alertness of the armed forces remained at the highest level.Disputing Pakistan’s version of the aerial confrontation that unfolded on Wednesday morning, sources in the government told News18 that more than 20 Pakistani aircraft had approached the Indian airspace at 9:45am and breached 10km inside. Laser-guided missile were fired at Indian military targets, but missed narrowly, defence ministry sources added.

The sources said Pakistan’s claims that its air force did not target Indian military installations during the intrusion were false, adding that the alertness of the armed forces remained at the highest level.They said the leaves of security forces have not been cancelled, though leaves of personnel holding important positions are being curtailed. The sources also said there has been no mobilisation of ground forces yet and that some forces are ready to move at short notice.

An IAF pilot was captured by Pakistan after an air combat Wednesday during which the two sides said they shot down each other's warplanes that followed an unsuccessful attempt to target Indian military installations in retaliatory strikes that sparked fears of war.

The aerial engagement between India and Pakistan for the first time since the 1971 war marked a dramatic escalation of confrontation prompting world leaders to urge the two neighbouring countries to exercise "utmost restraint". India said it shot down an F-16 warplane of Pakistan while it lost a MiG 21 during the fierce engagement between the air forces of the two countries along the Line of Control.

 news18