The United States is reinforcing its oversight of Pakistan's fleet of F-16 fighter jets through a new $397 million agreement, approved in February 2025. This deal aims to ensure the aircraft are used exclusively for counterterrorism operations and not against other nations, particularly India.
This comes after concerns were raised about their potential misuse and underlines the ongoing, complex military relationship between the US and Pakistan.
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) relies heavily on its American-supplied F-16s as a key component of its air defense. However, the use of these advanced aircraft is subject to strict conditions imposed by the United States.
These restrictions include confining the F-16s to specific airbases within Pakistan. This longstanding arrangement, part of decades of US-Pakistan military cooperation, has received renewed focus following recent developments.
The F-16s are primarily housed at two main bases: Shahbaz Airbase in Jacobabad and Mushaf Airbase in Sargodha. These locations were chosen under agreements with the US to facilitate close monitoring and to keep the F-16s separate from other aircraft, like the Chinese-designed JF-17 Thunder, which Pakistan co-produces with China.
A small number of older F-16 models are also permitted at Bholari Airbase. This separation is a key measure to prevent the unauthorized transfer of sensitive American technology, particularly to China.
To enforce compliance, the US maintains a significant monitoring presence at these bases. Technical Security Teams (TSTs), consisting of US Air Force personnel and civilian contractors, provide 24/7 surveillance.
These teams, estimated to number between 30 and 60 individuals per base, ensure the jets are used only for their stated purpose: counterterrorism and counterinsurgency.
The advanced AMRAAM missiles, unique to the F-16s, are kept in highly secure storage at Mushaf Airbase, with their use tightly controlled.
The operation of Pakistan's F-16s is controlled by strict end-use agreements. These agreements cover everything from maintenance to deployment. Any flights outside Pakistan or participation in joint exercises with other countries require prior US approval.
Maintenance is also closely regulated. Upgrades to older F-16 models were conducted in Turkey, a NATO member, to protect US technology. Pakistan relies heavily on the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program for spare parts and technical support, maintaining the fleet's operational status.
The $397 million package builds upon previous US investments in the program, including a $450 million sustainment program authorized in 2022 and a $125 million monitoring initiative in 2019. The latest funding extends the TST presence in Pakistan for five years, improving real-time oversight.
The US utilizes programs like Blue Lantern and Golden Sentry to monitor compliance worldwide, but the strategic significance of the F-16 fleet has resulted in a particularly rigorous monitoring system in Pakistan. This system is reported to include routine inventories and a "two-man rule" that must be applied for entry to controlled facilities.
The 2019 Balakot airstrike and subsequent aerial engagement raised questions about the effectiveness of these controls. Following India's strike on a terrorist camp, Pakistan reportedly deployed F-16s in a confrontation with the Indian Air Force (IAF).
India claimed to have shot down a Pakistani F-16, citing the discovery of AMRAAM missile debris, which are only used by F-16s, as evidence. Although Pakistan denied losing an F-16, claiming it used JF-17s, reports suggested otherwise.
This incident revealed a potential vulnerability: despite ongoing US monitoring, Pakistan may have deployed F-16s from unauthorized bases, violating the agreement limiting their use to counterterrorism. Leaked US diplomatic communications from 2019 indicated that Pakistan received a warning about risking sensitive technology and security interests.
The renewed US commitment, reflected in the 2025 funding, is designed to prevent similar incidents. The restrictions now explicitly prohibit the co-location of F-16s with JF-17s and place limitations on missile deployments, reflecting concerns about Pakistan's military relationship with China.
The issue remains a point of contention for India. Indian officials have criticized US support for Pakistan's F-16 program, arguing that the jets' deployment history contradicts claims of their use being solely for counterterrorism.
While the IAF demonstrated its capability to counter F-16s in 2019, the presence of these aircraft near India's borders continues to be a concern. Meanwhile, Pakistan's financial challenges may impact the F-16 fleet's readiness, potentially leading to increased reliance on the JF-17.
