United States has imposed strict restrictions on Pakistan's use of F-16 fighter jets.These limitations are part of end-use agreements designed to ensure that the aircraft are employed solely for counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.Quwa+2Defence News India+2U.S. News+2
Key Restrictions on Pakistan's F-16 Use
Operational Limitations: F-16s are to be used exclusively for counterterrorism missions.Any deployment outside of Pakistan or participation in joint exercises with other nations requires prior U.S. approval.Wion+3Defence News India+3The Quint+3
Monitoring and Oversight: The U.S. maintains Technical Security Teams (TSTs) in Pakistan to monitor the F-16 fleet.These teams conduct regular inspections and ensure compliance with the end-use terms.Wion+4Defence News India+4U.S. News+4
Inventory and Access Controls: Semi-annual inventories of all F-16 equipment and munitions are mandated.Access to sensitive areas and equipment is governed by strict protocols, including a "two-man rule" to prevent unauthorized use.The Quint+2asian+2Wion+2
Instances of Alleged Misuse
In February 2019, during heightened tensions with India, Pakistan was accused of using F-16s in a manner that violated the end-use agreement.The U.S. State Department subsequently reprimanded Pakistan for relocating F-16s and American-made missiles to unapproved forward operating bases, emphasizing that such actions could compromise shared security interests.The Quint+4ThePrint+4U.S. News+4U.S. News+1BizFinance News+1
Recent Developments
In February 2025, the U.S. approved a $397 million deal to enhance monitoring of Pakistan's F-16 fleet.This agreement reinforces existing restrictions and ensures that the aircraft are not misused, particularly against other nations like India.
