Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 2: The fighter aircraft that in the recent past was applauded by Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen etc. for its performance and proficiency has kissed the dust. In reply to India’s anti-terror operation in Balakot, Pakistan tried a bit of muscle flexing. They invaded the Indian air-space with mighty F-16 Falcon purchased from USA. The rest is history. It was brought down by a pre-historic second generation MIG-21 Bison. The whole incident received lot of media coverage and had an influence on the political scenario of both the countries.
However, USA is not interested in all that. They are furious over the use of their most formidable and fearsome fighter-craft and its subsequent destruction over a very trivial issue. They are annoyed that a rupees 50 crore fighter plane could destroy rupees 650 crore state-of-the-art fighter-craft of F-16’s capability. USA had their nose snubbed in front of the world community, especially Russia due to the irresponsible action of Pakistan, who purchased these aircrafts from USA for counter insurgency and anti-terrorism operations. F-16 was considered the most efficient fighter jet of modern time and even Russia and China were in awe of it.
Though Pakistan has vehemently denied the use of F-16, IAF on Thursday produced evidence of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) that can only be fired from F-16. USA is investigating if Pakistan has violated any of the end-user agreements signed by them while purchasing the fighter-crafts. There were many restrictions that were imposed on F-16’s use during the time of purchase.
What is the repercussion of this incidence as far as USA is concerned? The hope of selling F-16 to the ever-fighting nations and making billions is at stake. The foolishness of Pakistan has clearly given an edge to the other arms and defence equipment selling countries like France, Israel and Russia. After U-2 incident in 1960 this is the first time a fighter-craft has managed to create such an impact on world politics.
Who is the creator of this history? Neither Russia nor USA might remember him, but history will definitely not forget his name for achieving such a rare feat. The pride of F-16 is forever destroyed in the world market of arms dealing by none other than our own IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. Not only that his action also exposed Pakistan’s true intentions in purchasing technologically advanced defence equipments.