An F-16 jet crashed into a jungle during a routine rehearsal for the upcoming Pakistan day parade. Wing Commander Nauman Akram lost his life.

Pakistan F-16 jet crashes during routine rehearsal

During Balakot strike in February, Indian Air Force destroyed a terrorist training camp on the Pakistani side of the Line of Control. The incident led to the shooting down of a Pakistani F-16 jet but Islamabad had rejected the charge, and the United States had been more-or-less tight lipped in public about the whole controversy. However, details have emerged that Washington was indeed worried about Pakistan misusing the F-16 jets, and had even dispatched a letter back in August to the Pakistan Air Force chief warning against it. #WION #Fineprint

Fineprint: US hints at violation of F-16 deal

During Balakot strike in February, Indian Air Force destroyed a terrorist training camp on the Pakistani side of the Line of Control.

The incident led to the shooting down of a Pakistani F-16 jet but Islamabad had rejected the charge, and the United States had been more-or-less tight lipped in public about the whole controversy.

However, details have emerged that Washington was indeed worried about Pakistan misusing the F-16 jets, and had even dispatched a letter back in August to the Pakistan Air Force chief warning against it.

The letter which was written by Andrea Thompson, the then Under-Secretary of State for Arms Control, confirmed that Pakistan had indeed moved its F-16s and other American missiles to forward positions.&nbsp;

The act was a clear violation of the terms under which these jets had been sold to Pakistan.

The letter warned of the possibility of these weapons falling into the hands of malignant actors and endangering peace in the region.&nbsp;

It is worth noting that this was the first time the United States had expressed concern over Pakistan misusing the F-16 jets and also that the letter came from a high-ranking official of the Trump Administration.

Thompson has been a military intelligence officer all her career. She first entered the trump administration as national security advisor to vice president mike pence.

Pakistan does not have discretionary powers to use the F-16s, they can only be deployed at two specific airbases and are only meant for use in counter-terror operations, never against foreign countries.

India had earlier presented evidence saying Pakistan had not only used F-16s against them, but also American 'AMRAAM' missiles.

During Balakot strike in February, Indian Air Force destroyed a terrorist training camp on the Pakistani side of the Line of Control. The incident led to the shooting down of a Pakistani F-16 jet but Islamabad had rejected the charge, and the United States had been more-or-less tight lipped in public about the whole controversy.

During Balakot strike in February, Indian Air Force destroyed a terrorist training camp on the Pakistani side of the Line of Control. The incident led to the shooting down of a Pakistani F-16 jet but Islamabad had rejected the charge, and the United States had been more-or-less tight lipped in public about the whole controversy. However, details have emerged that Washington was indeed worried about Pakistan misusing the F-16 jets, and had even dispatched a letter back in August to the Pakistan Air Force chief warning against it. The letter which was written by Andrea Thompson, the then Under-Secretary of State for Arms Control, confirmed that Pakistan had indeed moved its F-16s and other American missiles to forward positions. The act was a clear violation of the terms under which these jets had been sold to Pakistan. The letter warned of the possibility of these weapons falling into the hands of malignant actors and endangering peace in the region. It is worth noting that this was the first time the United States had expressed concern over Pakistan misusing the F-16 jets and also that the letter came from a high-ranking official of the Trump Administration. Thompson has been a military intelligence officer all her career. She first entered the trump administration as national security advisor to vice president mike pence. Pakistan does not have discretionary powers to use the F-16s, they can only be deployed at two specific airbases and are only meant for use in counter-terror operations, never against foreign countries. India had earlier presented evidence saying Pakistan had not only used F-16s against them, but also American 'AMRAAM' missiles.

Washington privately warned Pakistan against usage of F-16 to combat India: Sources

An F-16 fighter jet of the Belgian air force crashed Thursday in western France, with both pilots successfully ejecting but one spent two hours hanging from a power line before being cut down, officials said.

Parts from the stricken plane, which was not carrying weapons and was flying from Belgium to a French base on a training mission, crashed into houses in the Morbihan region around the town of Pluvigner. No one on the ground was hurt.

"The pilot and the co-pilot were able to eject before the crash. They were both located and are alive," the office of the state representative for the region said in a statement.&nbsp;

It said one pilot had been rescued but the other had become tangled with a high-voltage power line and was left hanging from his parachute.&nbsp;

The pilot was finally cut loose after a two-hour rescue effort, the statement said.&nbsp;

"It was a sensitive and long operation," said senior local official Pierre Clavreuil at a news conference in Pluvigner. "It needed a lot of sangfroid," added Cyrille Berrod of the Morbihan fire brigade.

Images published in local media showed the pilot dangling from the cords attached to the parachute several metres above which had been ensnared by a cable next to the electricity pylon.

'State of shock'

The plane had taken off from Belgium and was heading on a training mission to a French naval airbase close to the town of Lorient.

The Belgian air force commander Frederik Vansina told reporters in Brussels that the incident appeared to have been caused by an engine problem with the plane, which was built in 1983, but that an investigation would provide further details.

He said both pilots were in hospital but should return to their families in Belgium as soon as this evening.

Local security forces evacuated eight homes with a total of 15 residents. Clavreuil said one home suffered substantial damage.

"The lady in the house was in a state of shock and taken to hospital," he said.

Pluvigner resident Patrick Kauffer told the local Le Telegramme daily that the "wing of the plane took out part of the roof of our house. The damage was serious."

He said the crash also set ablaze his shed and some trees.

"I am relieved that our two pilots are safe and sound after the crash of the F-16 and there was no victim on the ground," Belgium's Foreign and Defence Minister Didier Reynders said on Twitter.

The Belgian military "will take care of them and their family. An investigation is under way," he added.

An F-16 fighter jet of the Belgian air force crashed Thursday in western France, with both pilots successfully ejecting but one spent two hours hanging from a power line before being cut down, officials said.

An F-16 fighter jet of the Belgian air force crashed Thursday in western France, with both pilots successfully ejecting but one spent two hours hanging from a power line before being cut down, officials said. Parts from the stricken plane, which was not carrying weapons and was flying from Belgium to a French base on a training mission, crashed into houses in the Morbihan region around the town of Pluvigner. No one on the ground was hurt. "The pilot and the co-pilot were able to eject before the crash. They were both located and are alive," the office of the state representative for the region said in a statement. It said one pilot had been rescued but the other had become tangled with a high-voltage power line and was left hanging from his parachute. The pilot was finally cut loose after a two-hour rescue effort, the statement said. "It was a sensitive and long operation," said senior local official Pierre Clavreuil at a news conference in Pluvigner. "It needed a lot of sangfroid," added Cyrille Berrod of the Morbihan fire brigade. Images published in local media showed the pilot dangling from the cords attached to the parachute several metres above which had been ensnared by a cable next to the electricity pylon. 'State of shock' The plane had taken off from Belgium and was heading on a training mission to a French naval airbase close to the town of Lorient. The Belgian air force commander Frederik Vansina told reporters in Brussels that the incident appeared to have been caused by an engine problem with the plane, which was built in 1983, but that an investigation would provide further details. He said both pilots were in hospital but should return to their families in Belgium as soon as this evening. Local security forces evacuated eight homes with a total of 15 residents. Clavreuil said one home suffered substantial damage. "The lady in the house was in a state of shock and taken to hospital," he said. Pluvigner resident Patrick Kauffer told the local Le Telegramme daily that the "wing of the plane took out part of the roof of our house. The damage was serious." He said the crash also set ablaze his shed and some trees. "I am relieved that our two pilots are safe and sound after the crash of the F-16 and there was no victim on the ground," Belgium's Foreign and Defence Minister Didier Reynders said on Twitter. The Belgian military "will take care of them and their family. An investigation is under way," he added.

Pilot saved from power line after Belgian F-16 crashes in France

Indian Air Force Chief Birender Singh Dhanoa on Monday embarked on a four-day bilateral visit to Russia beginning tomorrow.

During the visit which will last till July 12, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa is scheduled to visit various operational and training units as well as fly a sortie in Russian trainer aircraft YAK-130, a Defence Ministry statement said.

He will also interact with senior functionaries of the Russian armed forces.

"The visit would provide further impetus towards defence cooperation as well as strengthen relationships and enable engagement in productive exchanges between the two air forces," the statement said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-signs-rs-200-crore-anti-tank-missile-deal-with-russia-231721">Russian Aircraft</a> Corporation "MiG" is a contender in the IAF`s multi-billion dollar 114 fighter aircraft program.

The Russian company is fielding its MiG-35 fighter jet which is pitted against American F-16, F-18A, Saab's Gripen and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-reopen-today-after-six-week-vacation-will-hear-key-cases-including-rafale-ayodhya-231907">French Rafale</a> jets.

Indian Air Force Chief Birender Singh Dhanoa on Monday embarked on a four-day bilateral visit to Russia beginning tomorrow. During the visit which will last till July 12, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa is scheduled to visit various operational and training units as well as fly a sortie in Russian trainer aircraft YAK-130, a Defence Ministry statement said.

Indian Air Force Chief Birender Singh Dhanoa on Monday embarked on a four-day bilateral visit to Russia beginning tomorrow. During the visit which will last till July 12, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa is scheduled to visit various operational and training units as well as fly a sortie in Russian trainer aircraft YAK-130, a Defence Ministry statement said. He will also interact with senior functionaries of the Russian armed forces. "The visit would provide further impetus towards defence cooperation as well as strengthen relationships and enable engagement in productive exchanges between the two air forces," the statement said. Russian Aircraft Corporation "MiG" is a contender in the IAF`s multi-billion dollar 114 fighter aircraft program. The Russian company is fielding its MiG-35 fighter jet which is pitted against American F-16, F-18A, Saab's Gripen and French Rafale jets.

IAF Chief BS Dhanoa embarks on four-day visit to Russia

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, May 17th 2019

No fatalities were reported after an F-16 plane crashed into a building near the March Air Reserve Base in Riverside County on Thursday. The pilot of the plane, who was the only occupant of the aircraft, was ejected before the crash and safely landed at the airfield near Cactus Avenue and Meridian Parkway where a parachute was spotted.

F-16 Fighter Jet Crashed During Routine Training In California, Pilot Ejects Safely

The India Air Force is recommending Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman for the wartime gallantry medal Vir Chakra for shooting down an F-16 in aerial conflict with Pakistan.

IAF recommends Wing Commander Abhinandan for 'Vir Chakra'

IAF gives further proof on downed Pakistan F-16

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-asserts-it-has-irrefutable-evidence-of-shooting-down-pakistan-f-16-shows-radar-images-208809">IAF asserts it has 'irrefutable evidence' of shooting down Pakistan F-16, shows radar images</a>

The Indian Air Force on Monday said it has "irrefutable evidence" of shooting down an F-16 aircraft of Pakistan Air Force during the February 27 aerial combat.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudanese-troop-killed-in-clash-with-govt-security-during-khartoum-protests-208813">Sudanese troop killed in </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudanese-troop-killed-in-clash-with-govt-security-during-khartoum-protests-208813">clash</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudanese-troop-killed-in-clash-with-govt-security-during-khartoum-protests-208813"> with government security during Khartoum protests</a>

A Sudanese soldier on Monday died allegedly following a shootout with pro-government security forces, which were attempting to disperse protesters staging a sit-in in the capital Khartoum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-high-court-rejects-vijay-mallyas-appeal-against-the-extradition-order-208774">UK High Court rejects Vijay Mallya's appeal against the extradition order</a>

In a big blow to Vijay Mallya, London’s High Court has rejected fugitive liquor baron's application for permission to appeal against the extradition order against him.&nbsp;

Mallya, 63, had filed the application in the High Court after UK's home secretary Sajid Javid signed off on a Westminster Magistrates' Court order for his extradition to face the Indian courts back in February.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vice-admiral-bimal-verma-moves-armed-forces-tribunal-after-being-superseded-for-naval-chief-post-208768">Vice Admiral Bimal Verma moves Armed Forces Tribunal after being superseded for Naval Chief post</a>

Vice Admiral Bimal Verma on Monday moved the Armed Forces Tribunal against his supersession and appointment of Vice Admiral Karambir Singh as the next Chief of Indian Navy.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-needs-tax-cuts-in-response-to-yellow-vests-pm-208807">France needs tax cuts in response to 'yellow vests': PM Edouard Philippe</a>

The French government must implement bold tax cuts, the prime minister said Monday, after a mass public consultation called in the wake of "yellow vest" protests that shook President Emmanuel Macron.

IAF asserts it has 'irrefutable evidence' of shooting down Pakistan F-16, shows radar images The Indian Air Force on Monday said it has "irrefutable evidence" of shooting down an F-16 aircraft of Pakistan Air Force during the February 27 aerial combat.

IAF asserts it has 'irrefutable evidence' of shooting down Pakistan F-16, shows radar images The Indian Air Force on Monday said it has "irrefutable evidence" of shooting down an F-16 aircraft of Pakistan Air Force during the February 27 aerial combat. Sudanese troop killed in clash with government security during Khartoum protests A Sudanese soldier on Monday died allegedly following a shootout with pro-government security forces, which were attempting to disperse protesters staging a sit-in in the capital Khartoum. UK High Court rejects Vijay Mallya's appeal against the extradition order In a big blow to Vijay Mallya, London’s High Court has rejected fugitive liquor baron's application for permission to appeal against the extradition order against him. Mallya, 63, had filed the application in the High Court after UK's home secretary Sajid Javid signed off on a Westminster Magistrates' Court order for his extradition to face the Indian courts back in February. Vice Admiral Bimal Verma moves Armed Forces Tribunal after being superseded for Naval Chief post Vice Admiral Bimal Verma on Monday moved the Armed Forces Tribunal against his supersession and appointment of Vice Admiral Karambir Singh as the next Chief of Indian Navy. France needs tax cuts in response to 'yellow vests': PM Edouard Philippe The French government must implement bold tax cuts, the prime minister said Monday, after a mass public consultation called in the wake of "yellow vest" protests that shook President Emmanuel Macron.

News brief: Big stories of the day

In a jibe at Pakistan, India has said that it never changed its position that Islamabad used F-16 during the attack on Indian military installations on February 27.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been seeing doing flip flops from a number of Indian pilots it captured to delay in acceptance of the use of F-16.

Pakistan army's media wing — the ISPR — Inter-Services Public Relations in a release on April 1 accepted that F-16s were airborne, accepting the use of the fighter aircraft more than a month after the incident.

The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "we have said from the beginning, we haven't ever changed our position that Pak has used F-16."

India has already raised the matter with the US regarding the use of F-16s given by Washington to Islamabad. New Delhi had provided evidence of the use of F-16 by showing the use of the AMRAAM missile that can only be deployed on F-16.

The spokesperson said, "whether and under what circumstances F16 is or is not allowed will have to come from the US."

Adding, "Fact of the matter is that it was used and we understand as per the understanding of the use of F-16 between Us and Pak, it should have not been done and we are why had flagged with the US."

The Pakistani Army in its April 1 release said, "Even if F-16 have been used as at that point in time complete PAF was airborne including F16s, the fact remains that Pakistan Airforce shot down two Indian jets in self-defence. ..India can assume any type of their choice even F-16. Pakistan retains the right to use anything and everything in its legitimate self-defence."

The use of F-16s by Pakistan can have implications since the US had given F-16s to Islamabad for counter-terror operations. The US state dept has said that it is &nbsp;"taking a look" on the use of F-16 by Pakistan on February 27.

In a jibe at Pakistan, India has said that it never changed its position that Islamabad used F-16 during the attack on Indian military installations on February 27.

In a jibe at Pakistan, India has said that it never changed its position that Islamabad used F-16 during the attack on Indian military installations on February 27. Pakistan has been seeing doing flip flops from a number of Indian pilots it captured to delay in acceptance of the use of F-16. Pakistan army's media wing — the ISPR — Inter-Services Public Relations in a release on April 1 accepted that F-16s were airborne, accepting the use of the fighter aircraft more than a month after the incident. The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "we have said from the beginning, we haven't ever changed our position that Pak has used F-16." India has already raised the matter with the US regarding the use of F-16s given by Washington to Islamabad. New Delhi had provided evidence of the use of F-16 by showing the use of the AMRAAM missile that can only be deployed on F-16. The spokesperson said, "whether and under what circumstances F16 is or is not allowed will have to come from the US." Adding, "Fact of the matter is that it was used and we understand as per the understanding of the use of F-16 between Us and Pak, it should have not been done and we are why had flagged with the US." The Pakistani Army in its April 1 release said, "Even if F-16 have been used as at that point in time complete PAF was airborne including F16s, the fact remains that Pakistan Airforce shot down two Indian jets in self-defence. ..India can assume any type of their choice even F-16. Pakistan retains the right to use anything and everything in its legitimate self-defence." The use of F-16s by Pakistan can have implications since the US had given F-16s to Islamabad for counter-terror operations. The US state dept has said that it is "taking a look" on the use of F-16 by Pakistan on February 27.

India takes a jibe a Pakistan's flip flop, says never changed position on Pak using F-16

Pakistan has put out an interestingly-worded statement about whether or not it used F-16s in its air battle with Indian fighter jets on February 27.&nbsp;

The statement — Reference repeated Indian claims about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-radars-catch-four-pakistani-f-16s-flying-close-to-the-border-in-punjab-207239">shooting down of Pakistani F-16 by India</a> and use of F16 in air battle on 27 February — was put out by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani armed forces.&nbsp;

"The event of 27 Feb is part of history now," the statement says.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force had on February 26 conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) training camp in Balakote in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. The terror group JeM has claimed responsibility for the February 14 suicide attack on a security convoy in Pulwama that left over 40 CRPF personnel dead.&nbsp;

On February 27, Indian and Pakistani jets engaged in a dogfight after Pakistan dropped bombs on Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir from its side of the Line of Control. India says the bombs were aimed at Indian military installations but that they missed their targets.&nbsp;

It was the first time in over 40 years that the air forces of the two countries had engaged in combat. Both sides lost a plane each — India a MiG-21 and the Pakistanis an F-16.&nbsp;

The ISPR statement however says "no Pakistani F-16s was hit by Indian airforce" and that two Indian jets "were shot down by PAF".&nbsp;

"As regard PAF action for strikes across LOC it was done by JF17 from within Pakistan airspace. Later when 2 Indian jets crossed LOC they were shot down by PAF," the statement said. &nbsp;

And that is also when it began to get interesting.&nbsp;

"Whether it was F16 or JF17 which shot down 2 Indian aircrafts is immaterial. Even if F-16 have been used as at that point in time complete PAF was airborne including F16s, the fact remains that Pakistan Airforce shot down two Indian jets in self defence," the statement said.&nbsp;

"India can assume any type of their choice even F-16. Pakistan retains the right to use anything and everything in its legitimate self defence," the statement added.&nbsp;

Apart from the ambiguously-worded statement — "Whether it was F16 or JF17 which shot down 2 Indian aircrafts is immaterial" — it is thought that Pakistan's possible use of F-16s may violate the country's end-user agreement on the planes with the US. &nbsp;

India has taken up Pakistan's possible use of the F-16s with the US, supplying it with fragments of an AMRAAM missile it says was fired by the F-16s. lndia says Pakistan does not have any other fighter plane that can be fitted with an AMRAAM missile.&nbsp;

Pakistan has put out an interestingly-worded statement about whether or not it used F-16s in its air battle with Indian fighter jets on February 27. The statement — Reference repeated Indian claims about shooting down of Pakistani F-16 by India and use of F16 in air battle on 27 February — was put out by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani armed forces.

Pakistan has put out an interestingly-worded statement about whether or not it used F-16s in its air battle with Indian fighter jets on February 27. The statement — Reference repeated Indian claims about shooting down of Pakistani F-16 by India and use of F16 in air battle on 27 February — was put out by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani armed forces. "The event of 27 Feb is part of history now," the statement says. The Indian Air Force had on February 26 conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) training camp in Balakote in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. The terror group JeM has claimed responsibility for the February 14 suicide attack on a security convoy in Pulwama that left over 40 CRPF personnel dead. On February 27, Indian and Pakistani jets engaged in a dogfight after Pakistan dropped bombs on Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir from its side of the Line of Control. India says the bombs were aimed at Indian military installations but that they missed their targets. It was the first time in over 40 years that the air forces of the two countries had engaged in combat. Both sides lost a plane each — India a MiG-21 and the Pakistanis an F-16. The ISPR statement however says "no Pakistani F-16s was hit by Indian airforce" and that two Indian jets "were shot down by PAF". "As regard PAF action for strikes across LOC it was done by JF17 from within Pakistan airspace. Later when 2 Indian jets crossed LOC they were shot down by PAF," the statement said. And that is also when it began to get interesting. "Whether it was F16 or JF17 which shot down 2 Indian aircrafts is immaterial. Even if F-16 have been used as at that point in time complete PAF was airborne including F16s, the fact remains that Pakistan Airforce shot down two Indian jets in self defence," the statement said. "India can assume any type of their choice even F-16. Pakistan retains the right to use anything and everything in its legitimate self defence," the statement added. Apart from the ambiguously-worded statement — "Whether it was F16 or JF17 which shot down 2 Indian aircrafts is immaterial" — it is thought that Pakistan's possible use of F-16s may violate the country's end-user agreement on the planes with the US. India has taken up Pakistan's possible use of the F-16s with the US, supplying it with fragments of an AMRAAM missile it says was fired by the F-16s. lndia says Pakistan does not have any other fighter plane that can be fitted with an AMRAAM missile.

Did Pakistan use F-16s on February 27? It says that's 'immaterial'

Reports: Indian radars detect 4 Pak F-16s close to border in Khemkaran of Punjab

Pakistan's military has said for the first time that JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft developed jointly with China was used in retaliation to India's pre-emptive strikes on a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/with-balakot-airstrike-narendra-modi-government-has-evolved-new-security-doctrine-204805">Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot</a> as it once again denied that US-made F-16 jets were involved in the attack.

Referring to the aerial dogfight with the Indian Air Force jets after the February 14 Pulwama terror attack claimed by Pakistan-based JeM, Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said the Indian jets violated the Pakistani airspace on February 26, dropping payloads without inflicting any casualties or damage to infrastructure.

The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was handed over to India later.

"The aircraft which engaged those targets and fought them were JF-17. As regard to how to use F-16, in what context [they] were used or not - because at that point of time our entire Air Force was airborne - now it remains between Pakistan and the US to see how the MoUs regarding the use of F-16 have been adhered to or otherwise," Ghafoor told Russian news agency Sputnik International.

A day after Pakistan's attempt to retaliate the IAF's air strikes at the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot, the Indian armed forces displayed parts of an AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) fired by an F-16, which fell in Indian territory. New Delhi had also underlined that electronic signatures captured by Indian radars had established the use of F-16 for the offensive.

The US State Department announced that it was seeking more information from Pakistan on the potential use of American-made F-16 jets against India in violation of the end-user agreement.

The Pakistani General noted that Islamabad was discussing the use of its JF-17 with the US citing "friendly relations" with Washington, stressing, however, that the country would use whatever it deemed necessary if it came to "legitimate self-defence."

He said Pakistan only wanted to tell India that it has the capability to hit back. He said Pakistan has the footage of the operation. 
At the time of the attack, the media reports said that the PAF military aircraft that shot down the Mig-21 Bison was JF-17 Thunder Block II multirole fighter jet.

"Proud to announce, I was project director for JF-17 Thunder program jointly produced by Pakistan and China during the tenure of General Pervez Musharraf," retired PAF Air Marshall Shahid Latif said at the time.

"Today, same jets targeted and shot down Indian Jets which entered Pakistani Airspace," he said soon after the attack last month. 
Ghafoor said that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is a deterrence tool to prevent wars in the region.

"Pakistan holds the position that this capability eliminates the possibility of conventional war. No sane country having this capability would talk about using it," Ghafoor was quoted as saying by the Russian news agency.

He said Pakistan would take steps towards non-proliferation of nuclear arms but only if India does the same.

Ghafoor said Pakistan would welcome every effort, including that of Russia, which can bring peace in the region.

On military cooperation with Russia, Ghafoor said Pakistan is negotiating defence industry cooperation with Moscow in the areas of aviation, air defence systems and anti-tank missiles.

Pakistan's defence ties with Russia have moved past the bitter Cold War hostilities in recent years and the chill in the relations between Pakistan and the US has further pushed the country towards Russia and China.&nbsp;

Pakistan's military has said for the first time that JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft developed jointly with China was used in retaliation to India's pre-emptive strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot as it once again denied that US-made F-16 jets were involved in the attack.

Pakistan's military has said for the first time that JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft developed jointly with China was used in retaliation to India's pre-emptive strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot as it once again denied that US-made F-16 jets were involved in the attack. Referring to the aerial dogfight with the Indian Air Force jets after the February 14 Pulwama terror attack claimed by Pakistan-based JeM, Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said the Indian jets violated the Pakistani airspace on February 26, dropping payloads without inflicting any casualties or damage to infrastructure. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was handed over to India later. "The aircraft which engaged those targets and fought them were JF-17. As regard to how to use F-16, in what context [they] were used or not - because at that point of time our entire Air Force was airborne - now it remains between Pakistan and the US to see how the MoUs regarding the use of F-16 have been adhered to or otherwise," Ghafoor told Russian news agency Sputnik International. A day after Pakistan's attempt to retaliate the IAF's air strikes at the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot, the Indian armed forces displayed parts of an AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) fired by an F-16, which fell in Indian territory. New Delhi had also underlined that electronic signatures captured by Indian radars had established the use of F-16 for the offensive. The US State Department announced that it was seeking more information from Pakistan on the potential use of American-made F-16 jets against India in violation of the end-user agreement. The Pakistani General noted that Islamabad was discussing the use of its JF-17 with the US citing "friendly relations" with Washington, stressing, however, that the country would use whatever it deemed necessary if it came to "legitimate self-defence." He said Pakistan only wanted to tell India that it has the capability to hit back. He said Pakistan has the footage of the operation. At the time of the attack, the media reports said that the PAF military aircraft that shot down the Mig-21 Bison was JF-17 Thunder Block II multirole fighter jet. "Proud to announce, I was project director for JF-17 Thunder program jointly produced by Pakistan and China during the tenure of General Pervez Musharraf," retired PAF Air Marshall Shahid Latif said at the time. "Today, same jets targeted and shot down Indian Jets which entered Pakistani Airspace," he said soon after the attack last month. Ghafoor said that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is a deterrence tool to prevent wars in the region. "Pakistan holds the position that this capability eliminates the possibility of conventional war. No sane country having this capability would talk about using it," Ghafoor was quoted as saying by the Russian news agency. He said Pakistan would take steps towards non-proliferation of nuclear arms but only if India does the same. Ghafoor said Pakistan would welcome every effort, including that of Russia, which can bring peace in the region. On military cooperation with Russia, Ghafoor said Pakistan is negotiating defence industry cooperation with Moscow in the areas of aviation, air defence systems and anti-tank missiles. Pakistan's defence ties with Russia have moved past the bitter Cold War hostilities in recent years and the chill in the relations between Pakistan and the US has further pushed the country towards Russia and China.

JF-17 used to shoot down Indian aircraft, says Pakistan military

Pakistani fighter pilots flying their F-16 combat aircraft had fired four to five American <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-amraam-missile-and-why-its-an-important-evidence-against-pakistan-200344">AMRAAM</a>s (AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile) from a distance of 40-50 km at the Indian aircraft including the Su-30 and the MiG-21 Bison.

To expose Pakistan further on its claim of not using the F-16 planes while attacking India on February 27, Indian troops on the ground are carrying out an extensive search of probable areas where the debris of the AMRAAMs could have fallen, sources told ANI on Tuesday.&nbsp;

“The F-16s fired four to five AMRAAM missiles from a beyond visual range distance of around 40-50 km at Indian planes including the Sukhoi in the engagement on February 27 but they all missed the target,” sources said.

“Once we get more parts of the AMRAAM missiles which failed to hit targets and have fallen on our side, the Pakistanis would be further exposed,” they said. The February 27 dog fight between Indian Air Force pilots and Pakistanis resulted in the shooting down of an F-16 by Indian MiG-21 pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was the only pilot who fired at Pakistani aircraft from the Indian side in the engagement.

The entire operation took place over the skies of Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir after the Pakistanis made a failed attempt to target Indian military targets in Nowshera sector. The Pakistani Air Force (PAF) probably had the intention of pounding a brigade headquarters, a battalion headquarters, and an oil dump, sources said.

India has already shown parts of one AMRAAM missile fired at Indian planes during a press conference on February 28 and more evidence in this regard would create issues for Pakistan. India has also shown the evidence to the American Defence Attach in India and has informed him about Indian concerns in this regard.

Pakistani fighter pilots flying their F-16 combat aircraft had fired four to five American AMRAAMs (AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile) from a distance of 40-50 km at the Indian aircraft including the Su-30 and the MiG-21 Bison.

Pakistani fighter pilots flying their F-16 combat aircraft had fired four to five American AMRAAMs (AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile) from a distance of 40-50 km at the Indian aircraft including the Su-30 and the MiG-21 Bison. To expose Pakistan further on its claim of not using the F-16 planes while attacking India on February 27, Indian troops on the ground are carrying out an extensive search of probable areas where the debris of the AMRAAMs could have fallen, sources told ANI on Tuesday. “The F-16s fired four to five AMRAAM missiles from a beyond visual range distance of around 40-50 km at Indian planes including the Sukhoi in the engagement on February 27 but they all missed the target,” sources said. “Once we get more parts of the AMRAAM missiles which failed to hit targets and have fallen on our side, the Pakistanis would be further exposed,” they said. The February 27 dog fight between Indian Air Force pilots and Pakistanis resulted in the shooting down of an F-16 by Indian MiG-21 pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was the only pilot who fired at Pakistani aircraft from the Indian side in the engagement. The entire operation took place over the skies of Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir after the Pakistanis made a failed attempt to target Indian military targets in Nowshera sector. The Pakistani Air Force (PAF) probably had the intention of pounding a brigade headquarters, a battalion headquarters, and an oil dump, sources said. India has already shown parts of one AMRAAM missile fired at Indian planes during a press conference on February 28 and more evidence in this regard would create issues for Pakistan. India has also shown the evidence to the American Defence Attach in India and has informed him about Indian concerns in this regard.

Pakistan F-16 pilots fired 4-5 AMRAAMs at Indian planes from 40-50 km: Sources

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/time-has-come-for-game-changing-defence-pacts-with-india-lockheed-official-197826">Lockheed Martin</a> India has rubbished claims by a senior official in Pakistan's Information Minister's office that it was going to sue India for "wrongly claiming" that an Indian Air Force MiG-21 had shot down an F-16 in a dogfight in Kashmir.

The claim was made by Danyal Gilani, Director in the Information Minister's office and chairman of Pakistan’s Central Film Board in a tweet.

"Lockheed Martin has made no such comments," tweeted the Indian subsidiary of the United States F-16 fighter aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in its March 1 reply to a tweet by Gilani, which he removed subsequently.

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Lockheed Martin has made no such comments.
— Lockheed Martin India (@LMIndiaNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/LMIndiaNews/status/1101574340011798529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Gilani's original tweet had reportedly quoted a website which also said that Lockheed Martin had expressed annoyance over the Indian claims and had confirmed that all the Pakistani F-16s were accounted for.

After Lockheed Martin India refuted Gilani's claims, Pakistan's former Press Secretary to PM deleted his tweet and even thanked Lockheed Martin."Thank you @LMIndiaNews. I acknowledge the statement is wrongly attributed to you. I picked it from a website. I take it back. However, I stand by Govt of #India's failure to prove it downed a #Pakistani F-16. Indian media &amp; journalists have caught #Indian govt disinformation.”

At a joint media briefing in New Delhi on Thursday, senior officers of the three armed forces had said that Pakistan used multiple F-16 aircraft to target military establishments in India on Wednesday.

They had also presented proof of the AIM-120 missile fired by the F-16 in the Indian territory.

Lockheed Martin India has rubbished claims by a senior official in Pakistan's Information Minister's office that it was going to sue India for "wrongly claiming" that an Indian Air Force MiG-21 had shot down an F-16 in a dogfight in Kashmir.

Lockheed Martin India has rubbished claims by a senior official in Pakistan's Information Minister's office that it was going to sue India for "wrongly claiming" that an Indian Air Force MiG-21 had shot down an F-16 in a dogfight in Kashmir. The claim was made by Danyal Gilani, Director in the Information Minister's office and chairman of Pakistan’s Central Film Board in a tweet. "Lockheed Martin has made no such comments," tweeted the Indian subsidiary of the United States F-16 fighter aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in its March 1 reply to a tweet by Gilani, which he removed subsequently. Lockheed Martin has made no such comments. — Lockheed Martin India (@LMIndiaNews) March 1, 2019 × Gilani's original tweet had reportedly quoted a website which also said that Lockheed Martin had expressed annoyance over the Indian claims and had confirmed that all the Pakistani F-16s were accounted for. After Lockheed Martin India refuted Gilani's claims, Pakistan's former Press Secretary to PM deleted his tweet and even thanked Lockheed Martin."Thank you @LMIndiaNews. I acknowledge the statement is wrongly attributed to you. I picked it from a website. I take it back. However, I stand by Govt of #India's failure to prove it downed a #Pakistani F-16. Indian media & journalists have caught #Indian govt disinformation.” At a joint media briefing in New Delhi on Thursday, senior officers of the three armed forces had said that Pakistan used multiple F-16 aircraft to target military establishments in India on Wednesday. They had also presented proof of the AIM-120 missile fired by the F-16 in the Indian territory.

Lockheed Martin denies Pak's claims to sue India over shooting down F-16

The US is seeking more information on the potential misuse of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-pakistani-f-16-was-shot-down-by-mig-21-bison-says-air-vice-marshal-kapoor-during-armed-forces-joint-press-conference-200333">American-made F-16 fighter jets</a> by Pakistan against India in violation of the end-user agreement, the State Department has said.

The Indian Air Force on Thursday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-presents-evidence-of-aaram-missile-fired-from-pakistani-f-16-aircraft-200341">displayed parts of an AMRAAM beyond visual range air-to-air missile as evidence </a>to "conclusively" prove that Pakistan deployed US-manufactured F-16 fighter jets during an aerial raid targeting Indian military installations in Kashmir after India's anti-terror operation in Balakot.

Pakistan on Wednesday categorically said that no F-16 fighter jets were used and denied that one of its planes had been downed by the Indian Air Force.&nbsp;

"We are aware of these reports and are seeking more information," a State Department spokesperson told PTI when asked about a report that Pakistan has violated an end-user agreement with the United States in this week's border clash with India.&nbsp;

"Due to non-disclosure agreements in Foreign Military Sales contracts, we cannot discuss the specifics of end user-agreements contained within," Lt Col Kone Faulkner, a Defense Department spokesperson told PTI.&nbsp;

The United States, which is the largest seller of high-tech defence equipment globally, and has a strong end-user monitoring agreement, as a matter of practice takes all allegations of misuse of defence articles very seriously.

But before making any judgement or arriving at any conclusion, it needs to establish some facts on the ground, if there has been any violation by Pakistan to the F-16 end-user agreement it signed by the United States.

According to Pentagon's Defense Security and Cooperation Agency (DSCA) F-16 jets were meant to be used to "enhance Pakistan's ability to conduct counter-insurgency and counterterrorism operations".

Publicly available documents reveal that the US has imposed nearly a dozen restriction on Pakistan related to its use of F-16.

During a Congressional hearing on July 20, 2006, John Miller the then Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, had told lawmakers that the United States has "very carefully considered" the potential risks of the diversion of US technology and equipment."

While the exact details of the restrictions were discussed in a closed-door session and thus remains classified, Miller then broadly outlined some of the restrictions, which he said were over a "dozen new and unprecedented elements" of the security plan for Pakistan.

Miller then told lawmakers that the security provisions also include semi-annual inventories of all F-16 aircraft equipment and munitions, including related technical data, and more frequent inventories for other systems.

"There is a two-man rule, so to speak, for access to this equipment and restricted areas, and F-16 flights outside of Pakistan or participation in exercises and operations with third nations must be approved in advance by the United States government," the then top State Department official said, according to the transcripts of the hearing.

The US is seeking more information on the potential misuse of American-made F-16 fighter jets by Pakistan against India in violation of the end-user agreement, the State Department has said.

The US is seeking more information on the potential misuse of American-made F-16 fighter jets by Pakistan against India in violation of the end-user agreement, the State Department has said. The Indian Air Force on Thursday displayed parts of an AMRAAM beyond visual range air-to-air missile as evidence to "conclusively" prove that Pakistan deployed US-manufactured F-16 fighter jets during an aerial raid targeting Indian military installations in Kashmir after India's anti-terror operation in Balakot. Pakistan on Wednesday categorically said that no F-16 fighter jets were used and denied that one of its planes had been downed by the Indian Air Force. "We are aware of these reports and are seeking more information," a State Department spokesperson told PTI when asked about a report that Pakistan has violated an end-user agreement with the United States in this week's border clash with India. "Due to non-disclosure agreements in Foreign Military Sales contracts, we cannot discuss the specifics of end user-agreements contained within," Lt Col Kone Faulkner, a Defense Department spokesperson told PTI. The United States, which is the largest seller of high-tech defence equipment globally, and has a strong end-user monitoring agreement, as a matter of practice takes all allegations of misuse of defence articles very seriously. But before making any judgement or arriving at any conclusion, it needs to establish some facts on the ground, if there has been any violation by Pakistan to the F-16 end-user agreement it signed by the United States. According to Pentagon's Defense Security and Cooperation Agency (DSCA) F-16 jets were meant to be used to "enhance Pakistan's ability to conduct counter-insurgency and counterterrorism operations". Publicly available documents reveal that the US has imposed nearly a dozen restriction on Pakistan related to its use of F-16. During a Congressional hearing on July 20, 2006, John Miller the then Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, had told lawmakers that the United States has "very carefully considered" the potential risks of the diversion of US technology and equipment." While the exact details of the restrictions were discussed in a closed-door session and thus remains classified, Miller then broadly outlined some of the restrictions, which he said were over a "dozen new and unprecedented elements" of the security plan for Pakistan. Miller then told lawmakers that the security provisions also include semi-annual inventories of all F-16 aircraft equipment and munitions, including related technical data, and more frequent inventories for other systems. "There is a two-man rule, so to speak, for access to this equipment and restricted areas, and F-16 flights outside of Pakistan or participation in exercises and operations with third nations must be approved in advance by the United States government," the then top State Department official said, according to the transcripts of the hearing.

US seeks information on potential misuse of F-16 by Pakistan

As Indian authorities wait for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorism-destroying-lives-destabilising-regions-and-putting-world-at-great-peril-sushma-swaraj-at-oic-200465">captured Indian pilot to return home</a>, it was announced that the Beating the Retreat ceremony won't be taking place at the Wagah border today.

Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon, Deputy Commissioner, &nbsp;Amritsar, said: "The Beating the Retreat ceremony (at Attari-Wagah Border) will not be held today. Senior team of the Indian Air Force will receive the Indian pilot."

Pakistan <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-asks-world-community-to-take-action-against-jem-and-its-leadership-200408">PM Imran Khan had announced</a> in a joint session in the National Assembly that his government would be freeing the Indian pilot who was captured after Pakistan shot down a MiG-21 which was involved in a dogfight as Pakistani jets entered Indian airspace on Tuesday.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tXfiA8BxJqA" width="560"></iframe>

India had earlier said it won't be involved in any bargain to get the pilot back even as Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told the Pakistani media that the government would be willing to handover the Indian pilot if India promised to "de-escalate" the situation.

India had sent Mirage 2000 jets in the early hours on Monday to destroy terror bases in the Balakot area of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.&nbsp;

The next day Pakistani jets, along with an F-16 fighter entered Indian air space from the Rajouri area in Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K) to target Indian installations leading India to send MiG-21s to intercept it, in the impending firefight&nbsp;the Indian MiG-21 was shot down and the plane fell inside&nbsp;Pakistani territory.

The Indian Air Force later said one of the MiG-21 Bison had shot down a&nbsp;Pakistani F-16 even as Pakistani authorities denied it.&nbsp;

Air Force Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor in a joint defence press conference on Thursday&nbsp;showed evidence of&nbsp;AMRAAM air-to-air missile which was fired from a Pakistani F-16 fighter.

As Indian authorities wait for captured Indian pilot to return home, it was announced that the Beating the Retreat ceremony won't be taking place at the Wagah border today.

As Indian authorities wait for captured Indian pilot to return home, it was announced that the Beating the Retreat ceremony won't be taking place at the Wagah border today. Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon, Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar, said: "The Beating the Retreat ceremony (at Attari-Wagah Border) will not be held today. Senior team of the Indian Air Force will receive the Indian pilot." Pakistan PM Imran Khan had announced in a joint session in the National Assembly that his government would be freeing the Indian pilot who was captured after Pakistan shot down a MiG-21 which was involved in a dogfight as Pakistani jets entered Indian airspace on Tuesday. India had earlier said it won't be involved in any bargain to get the pilot back even as Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told the Pakistani media that the government would be willing to handover the Indian pilot if India promised to "de-escalate" the situation. India had sent Mirage 2000 jets in the early hours on Monday to destroy terror bases in the Balakot area of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The next day Pakistani jets, along with an F-16 fighter entered Indian air space from the Rajouri area in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) to target Indian installations leading India to send MiG-21s to intercept it, in the impending firefight the Indian MiG-21 was shot down and the plane fell inside Pakistani territory. The Indian Air Force later said one of the MiG-21 Bison had shot down a Pakistani F-16 even as Pakistani authorities denied it. Air Force Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor in a joint defence press conference on Thursday showed evidence of AMRAAM air-to-air missile which was fired from a Pakistani F-16 fighter.

Beating the Retreat ceremony cancelled at Wagah border

Iran and Israel traded blame on Sunday for an unprecedented, weeks-long surge in hostilities between their forces over Syria but played down prospects of a spillover into war.

A showdown between the arch-foes has loomed since Feb. 10, when Israel said an armed Iranian drone launched from a Syrian base penetrated its territory. Israel downed the drone and, during a reprisal raid, lost an F-16 jet to Syrian ground fire.

On April 9, an air strike killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps members at the Syrian base. Tehran blamed Israel and vowed unspecified retaliation, drawing Israeli counter-threats to broaden attacks on Iranian military assets in Syria.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a U.S. television interview that further Israeli sorties in Syria would have "consequences". But he deemed major escalation as unlikely.

"I do not believe that we are headed towards regional war but I do believe that unfortunately, Israel has continued its violations with international law, hoping to be able to do it with impunity because of the U.S. support and trying to find smokescreens to hide behind," Zarif told CBS News.

"The easiest answer would be to stop - to stop these acts of aggression, to stop these incursions."

Iran, Lebanon's Hezbollah militia and Russia have been reinforcing Damascus against a 7-year-old Syrian rebellion. The Israelis worry that Iran's garrison will remain, linking with Hezbollah to form a broad Syrian-Lebanese front against them.

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman reiterated his government's policy of preventing Iranian entrenchment in Syria.

"No matter the price, we will not allow a noose to form around us," he told Israel Radio in an interview.

DETERRENCE

But asked if that meant war was imminent, he said: "I hope not. I think that our primary role is prevent war, and that requires concrete, real deterrence as well as readiness to act."

Israel Katz, the Israeli intelligence minister, suggested world powers might intervene to curb Iranian activity in Syria.

Israel is "not interested" in escalation, Katz told the Ynet news site. But Israeli power-projection, he said, "can challenge the Iranians, can clarify to the Russians, who seek stability, that it is worth it for them to apply their influence, and the same goes for the United States, for France and all the others".

The Syria face-off comes as the Trump administration mulls reimposing U.S. economic sanctions against Tehran by May 12, a move that could deal a blow to an international 2015 deal under which the Iranians capped their nuclear projects.

Zarif said Iran might respond to any unravelling of the deal by "resuming at a much greater speed our nuclear activities".

Israel has savaged the deal and encouraged a U.S. review, but Katz appeared to acknowledge the outcome could be costly.

"The United States is changing policy. Israel is determined to prevent this (Iranian nuclear) red-line, a crossing of this red-line," he said. "These are testing times for us. I hope that we won't pay prices."

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hints-it-could-hit-irans-air-force-in-syria-132058"> Israel hints it could hit Iran's 'air force' in Syria</a>

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said however deemed major escalation as unlikely

Iran and Israel traded blame on Sunday for an unprecedented, weeks-long surge in hostilities between their forces over Syria but played down prospects of a spillover into war. A showdown between the arch-foes has loomed since Feb. 10, when Israel said an armed Iranian drone launched from a Syrian base penetrated its territory. Israel downed the drone and, during a reprisal raid, lost an F-16 jet to Syrian ground fire. On April 9, an air strike killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps members at the Syrian base. Tehran blamed Israel and vowed unspecified retaliation, drawing Israeli counter-threats to broaden attacks on Iranian military assets in Syria. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a U.S. television interview that further Israeli sorties in Syria would have "consequences". But he deemed major escalation as unlikely. "I do not believe that we are headed towards regional war but I do believe that unfortunately, Israel has continued its violations with international law, hoping to be able to do it with impunity because of the U.S. support and trying to find smokescreens to hide behind," Zarif told CBS News. "The easiest answer would be to stop - to stop these acts of aggression, to stop these incursions." Iran, Lebanon's Hezbollah militia and Russia have been reinforcing Damascus against a 7-year-old Syrian rebellion. The Israelis worry that Iran's garrison will remain, linking with Hezbollah to form a broad Syrian-Lebanese front against them. Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman reiterated his government's policy of preventing Iranian entrenchment in Syria. "No matter the price, we will not allow a noose to form around us," he told Israel Radio in an interview. DETERRENCE But asked if that meant war was imminent, he said: "I hope not. I think that our primary role is prevent war, and that requires concrete, real deterrence as well as readiness to act." Israel Katz, the Israeli intelligence minister, suggested world powers might intervene to curb Iranian activity in Syria. Israel is "not interested" in escalation, Katz told the Ynet news site. But Israeli power-projection, he said, "can challenge the Iranians, can clarify to the Russians, who seek stability, that it is worth it for them to apply their influence, and the same goes for the United States, for France and all the others". The Syria face-off comes as the Trump administration mulls reimposing U.S. economic sanctions against Tehran by May 12, a move that could deal a blow to an international 2015 deal under which the Iranians capped their nuclear projects. Zarif said Iran might respond to any unravelling of the deal by "resuming at a much greater speed our nuclear activities". Israel has savaged the deal and encouraged a U.S. review, but Katz appeared to acknowledge the outcome could be costly. "The United States is changing policy. Israel is determined to prevent this (Iranian nuclear) red-line, a crossing of this red-line," he said. "These are testing times for us. I hope that we won't pay prices." Also read: Israel hints it could hit Iran's 'air force' in Syria

Further Israeli sorties in Syria will have consequences: Iran

A US Air Force pilot with the traveling Thunderbirds exhibition squad was killed early Wednesday when his F-16 jet crashed at Nellis Air Force base in Nevada, the third crash involving a military aircraft in the past two days.

"It's been a rough day," an Air Force spokesman said.

The pilot was on a training mission flying an F-16 Fighting Falcon over the Nevada Test and Training Range near Las Vegas when it crashed about 10:30 am&nbsplocal time, the spokesman said.

The name of the pilot is being withheld pending notification of the family, the Air Force said in a statement early Thursday, adding that an investigation into the cause of the crash has begun.

The jet was part of the Air Force's Thunderbirds Squadron, a flying team that performs aerial demonstrations across the United States as well as internationally.

The team's upcoming performance at the March Air Force Reserve Base in Riverside County, Ca., on April 7 and April 8, has been cancelled according to the statement.

On Tuesday, a US&nbspMarine Corps helicopter crashed during a training mission in Southern California. All four crew members are believed to have been killed.

Another Marine jet crashed in Djibouti on Tuesday. The pilot was in stable condition. 
&nbsp

The jet was part of the Air Force's Thunderbirds Squadron, a flying team that performs aerial demonstrations across the United States as well as internationally.

A US Air Force pilot with the traveling Thunderbirds exhibition squad was killed early Wednesday when his F-16 jet crashed at Nellis Air Force base in Nevada, the third crash involving a military aircraft in the past two days. "It's been a rough day," an Air Force spokesman said. The pilot was on a training mission flying an F-16 Fighting Falcon over the Nevada Test and Training Range near Las Vegas when it crashed about 10:30 am&nbsplocal time, the spokesman said. The name of the pilot is being withheld pending notification of the family, the Air Force said in a statement early Thursday, adding that an investigation into the cause of the crash has begun. The jet was part of the Air Force's Thunderbirds Squadron, a flying team that performs aerial demonstrations across the United States as well as internationally. The team's upcoming performance at the March Air Force Reserve Base in Riverside County, Ca., on April 7 and April 8, has been cancelled according to the statement. On Tuesday, a US&nbspMarine Corps helicopter crashed during a training mission in Southern California. All four crew members are believed to have been killed. Another Marine jet crashed in Djibouti on Tuesday. The pilot was in stable condition.

US F-16 jet crashes in Nevada, pilot killed

The plan to set up a F-16 jet production unit in India will be an &quot;exclusive&quot; proposition that will help the country in achieving its operational needs as well as the &#39;Make in India&#39; initiative, according to American aerospace and defence major Lockheed Martin. 
&nbsp; 
As India continues to shop around to add new fighter jets into its air force, Lockheed Martin has offered to relocate its entire production line to India. 
The company said it intends to create far more than an &quot;assembly line&quot; in India. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;We plan to introduce two new words into the lexicon of international fighter aircraft manufacturing: &#39;India&#39; and &#39;exclusive&#39;. F-16 production in India will be exclusive? something that has never before been presented by any other fighter aircraft manufacturer, past or present,&quot; Vivek Lall, vice president, Strategy and Business Development, Lockheed Martin said in an interview. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;The F-16 gives the Indian industry a unique opportunity to be at the centre of the world&#39;s largest fighter aircraft ecosystem,&quot; said Lall, who played a key role in some of the big ticket American military sales to India, including the General Atomics-built Guardian Predator Drones announced by the US last year. 
&nbsp; 
Responding to a question, Lall claimed the offer from Lockheed is cost advantageous for India. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;The F-16 is the only aircraft programme in this competition with the proven performance and industrial scale to meet India&#39;s operational needs and Make in India priorities,&quot; he said, claiming that that no competing aircraft comes close to matching the F-16&#39;s operational effectiveness and industrial success. 
&nbsp; 
The F-16 remains the backbone of the US Air Force, the world&#39;s most capable air force, he said. 
&nbsp; 
Structural and avionic upgrades to the US F-16 fleet will extend service life to 2045, while the F-16 becomes even more capable as technology enhancements from the F-22 and F-35 are continuously integrated across all three platforms, he added. 
&nbsp; 
Lall, however, refused to reply to questions on F-35. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;Any discussions regarding potential new F-35 customers begin at the government-to-government level. It is not our place to speak on behalf of the US government or the government of India,&quot; he said. 
&nbsp; 
Notably, US Pacific Command Commander Admiral Harry Harris during his two recent Congressional testimonies have supported selling F-35 fighter jets to India. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;At the moment, India is considering a number of US systems for purchase, all of which USPACOM fully supports: the F-16 for India&#39;s large single-engine, multi-role fighter acquisition programme,&quot; Harris told the Congressional committees last week.

The F-16 remains the backbone of the US Air Force, the world's most capable air force

The plan to set up a F-16 jet production unit in India will be an "exclusive" proposition that will help the country in achieving its operational needs as well as the 'Make in India' initiative, according to American aerospace and defence major Lockheed Martin. As India continues to shop around to add new fighter jets into its air force, Lockheed Martin has offered to relocate its entire production line to India. The company said it intends to create far more than an "assembly line" in India. "We plan to introduce two new words into the lexicon of international fighter aircraft manufacturing: 'India' and 'exclusive'. F-16 production in India will be exclusive? something that has never before been presented by any other fighter aircraft manufacturer, past or present," Vivek Lall, vice president, Strategy and Business Development, Lockheed Martin said in an interview. "The F-16 gives the Indian industry a unique opportunity to be at the centre of the world's largest fighter aircraft ecosystem," said Lall, who played a key role in some of the big ticket American military sales to India, including the General Atomics-built Guardian Predator Drones announced by the US last year. Responding to a question, Lall claimed the offer from Lockheed is cost advantageous for India. "The F-16 is the only aircraft programme in this competition with the proven performance and industrial scale to meet India's operational needs and Make in India priorities," he said, claiming that that no competing aircraft comes close to matching the F-16's operational effectiveness and industrial success. The F-16 remains the backbone of the US Air Force, the world's most capable air force, he said. Structural and avionic upgrades to the US F-16 fleet will extend service life to 2045, while the F-16 becomes even more capable as technology enhancements from the F-22 and F-35 are continuously integrated across all three platforms, he added. Lall, however, refused to reply to questions on F-35. "Any discussions regarding potential new F-35 customers begin at the government-to-government level. It is not our place to speak on behalf of the US government or the government of India," he said. Notably, US Pacific Command Commander Admiral Harry Harris during his two recent Congressional testimonies have supported selling F-35 fighter jets to India. "At the moment, India is considering a number of US systems for purchase, all of which USPACOM fully supports: the F-16 for India's large single-engine, multi-role fighter acquisition programme," Harris told the Congressional committees last week.

F-16 jet production in India will be exclusive: Lockheed

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