F-16 has been in news from last few months. News columns and several discussions have been erupted encircling the aircraft. Being a hot topic in news, all SSB aspirant need to have knowledge of it.
Now let’s have a look at this aircraft. It is one of the most capable 4th generation fighters that can perform multi- roles. The aircraft is a single engine, multi-role fighter jet, developed by Lockheed Martin. The aircraft is currently serving in US air force and is also used by 25 other nations. Pakistan is also going to finalise a deal for buying these jets.
F-16 and F-15 are the first aircraft that can handle higher g- force then the pilot. It need higher manoeuvre and has shown its performance in surface to surface and surface to air combat mission. It is known for low cost and high performance.
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Basic features of F-16 are:-
- Length – 15 meters
- Height – 5.1 meters
- Wing span- about 9.5 meters
- Top speed – Mach 2+
- Range – more than 2000 miles in ferry range
The operational capabilities of this aircraft are enhanced by advanced weapons, precise GPS navigation, auto ground collision avoidance system and advanced sniper targeting pod.
What took it to the news?
Recently Pakistan and U.S. are struggling to finalize a deal of selling off 8 F-16 to Pakistan. Pakistan has also indicated its future motto of buying 10 more F-16 fighters. On the other hand, India took the stand and opposed the deal. Currently, the US political crew is discussing over the deal and its final approval will be announced soon.
Why Pakistan needs these planes?
Pakistan is going to retire about 200 of its planes by 2020. To meet their required count of aircrafts, Pakistan is planning to induct foreign aircrafts. Not only this, Indian’s plan to induct indigenously developed Tejas and ongoing Rafale deal is a matter of concern for Pakistan.
India’s stand on sale of F-16 to Pakistan
Just after getting the news of the sale of F-16 to Pakistan, India summoned US ambassador Richard Verma, showing its displeasure over the deal. According to India, providing such weapons to Pakistan for fighting against terrorism, will lead to arming of Pakistan against India.
Previous help to Pakistan to US
Stats reveal that US has sold military equipment worth $5.4 billion to Pakistan during a period of 2002-2014. About $30 billion was provided as aid to the Pakistan in the same period. Half of this aid was for bolstering strength for combatting terror, but India raised the point of usage of that fund for military preparation against India. India had earlier opposed the C-130 deal between US and Pakistan.
Conclusion – The final decision on this deal will raise several other issues. India is surrounded by china, which is gearing its military and Pakistan, which is getting financial and direct help to counter terrorism. But India is stressing over Pakistan’s use of those funds to build its armour against India. India need to stay alert and prepare for the upcoming scenario.
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