US reprimanded Pakistan for misusing F-16s: report

Report came months after the Indian Air Force shot down an F-16 jet of Pakistan Air Force during an aerial combat over Kashmir.

‘Big mistake, shot down our own chopper on Feb 27,’ admits Indian Air Force chief

Ahead of the press conference, the Indian Air Force also showed video clips of the Balakot strikes.

Indian national security establishment had confirmed the reactivation of the Balakot facility and the top levels of govt were informed too.

In February this year, India carried out air strikes across the LoC and destroyed terror camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province inside Pak.

IAF chief Dhanoa also a MiG-21 pilot and had flown the planes during the 1999 Kargil war while commanding the 17 Squadron, during the war.

Varthaman was conferred Vir Chakra, the coveted wartime gallantry medal, for downing the F-16 jet of Pakistan during the aerial combat.

Explaining Rawat's comments, official said what the Army Chief meant was that Indian Army was ready to take battle into Pak.

'I was the one who was providing him with the air situation picture. I saw the fading of F-16 blip from my screen,' Agarwal said.

IAF has recommended a gallantry award – Vir Chakra – the third-highest wartime gallantry award - for Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

Netizens were quick to point out that the video was recorded in 2015, approximately four years before the Balakot strikes.