Pakistan has a fleet of F-16 fighter jets, which are powerful and fast combat aircraft. But these jets are not made by Pakistan.
F-16 Fighter Jets and Their Restrictions
They were bought from the United States through a system called the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme. Under this programme, any country buying US-made weapons must follow very strict rules. One of the most important rules is how and where these weapons can be used.
These F-16s are not allowed to be used in any regular war or attack unless the US gives special permission. Pakistan agreed to these conditions when they bought the planes. The agreement also includes something called the End-Use Monitoring (EUM) system. This means the US keeps an eye on how Pakistan is using the jets.
Special American teams work on the ground under monitoring programmes like “Golden Sentry” and “Blue Lantern”. These teams ensure the planes are not being used in ways that break the rules. They also check that no changes are made to the jets or their missiles without permission. Operating around the clock, these teams track where the jets are sent, how they are used, and what weapons are loaded on them.
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The Official Rules on F-16 Usage
According to the agreement between the United States and Pakistan, these jets can only be used for counterterrorism missions. That means they are meant to help fight terrorists inside Pakistan, especially in areas like the tribal regions near the western border. The jets are not meant for use in any direct war with another country.
The rules don’t directly mention India, but it is clearly understood that these planes should not be used in any conflict with India. The agreement also covers the use of certain missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM, which are loaded on the F-16s. These missiles are also under strict control and cannot be used without permission from the US.
Even though Pakistan owns the jets, the US still controls what they can and cannot do with them. If Pakistan uses the F-16s in a war against India without permission, it would break the agreement.
What Happens If Pakistan Breaks the Rules?
This is not the first time questions have arisen about the use of F-16s. In 2019, after the airstrikes in Balakot, the issue became serious. Reports claimed the jets had been moved to unauthorized locations. A warning letter was reportedly sent, stating that such actions could harm the trust between the two countries.
If Pakistan breaks the rules again, the US has the right to stop helping with repairs, spare parts, and other support. F-16 jets need regular maintenance and parts, many of which come from the US. Without this support, Pakistan’s F-16 fleet could face serious problems and might not be able to fly or fight properly.
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Also, the US Congress, which makes laws in America, has been keeping a close watch on how these jets are used. There is pressure on the US government to be stricter with countries that break rules involving American weapons. This makes it harder for Pakistan to use these jets in any war against India.
The US has not officially said that Pakistan is banned from using F-16s against India. But in many statements, the US has made it clear that these jets are meant only for fighting terrorists, not for fighting another country. In 2022, the US once again described Pakistan as a “counterterrorism partner,” showing that their support for the jets is only for anti-terror use.
As of 2025, Pakistan has around 75 to 80 F-16 fighter jets. Most of them are active and working, but they are all under constant American observation. The US teams continue to monitor how they are used and where they are flown.
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During the latest conflict on May 8, 2025, there were reports that F-16s may have been used during strikes across areas in Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Unconfirmed claims also suggested that one jet was shot down and a pilot captured. If true, this could raise serious concerns about the use of these jets in a manner that may violate the agreement.
In simple words, Pakistan owns the jets but must follow US rules. Using them against India in a direct fight can cause serious trouble for Pakistan, both politically and technically. These are not just machines of war — they come with strings attached, and the US keeps tight control over how they are used.