Source: ET

The impediments that Pakistan is facing in the procurement of a meagreeight F-16 fighter aircraft are a sad reflection of the current state of Pakistan-US relations. For Pakistan, in the 1980s, the F-16 symbolised its strong alliance with the US and the West. It fed the Pakistan military’s pride to aspire for the best in technology and performance, and defend itself from any potential threat emanating from the east or west. Not to mention, it facilitated the development of a close camaraderie between the two air forces and forged bonds between the US and Pakistan to meet common security challenges facing the region. Of course, there was a flip side to the heavily security-focused relationship that exacerbated political and economic problems.

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