A fresh controversy has added fuel to the rapidly escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan after Afghan media reported that Afghan forces shot down a Pakistani military aircraft inside Afghan airspace. Afghanistan’s Tolo News cited sources claiming the aircraft was downed after entering Afghan territory during recent Pakistani airstrikes.
Soon after the report, an unverified video began circulating widely on social media. The footage shows the wreckage of a burning fighter jet, which online users claimed to be a Pakistani F-16. The aircraft debris appears to display a serial number and the Pakistani flag, intensifying speculation and debate across the region.
Pakistan, however, has firmly rejected these claims.
Pakistan-Afghanistan War: Did Afghanistan Shoot Down a Pakistani F-16?
According to Afghan media reports, the aircraft was shot down on Friday when Pakistani fighter jets crossed into Afghan airspace during strikes. The viral video allegedly shows the remains of a Pakistani F-16 with a visible serial number, which Afghan sources say proves their claim.
🚨 BIG BREAKING NEWS💥
This is a Pakistani military F-16, American-made, that Afghan defensive forces have shot down. pic.twitter.com/7qBAjv89rk
— Afghanistan Defense (@AFGDefense) February 27, 2026
Pakistan’s military acknowledged carrying out airstrikes against what it described as militant targets inside Afghanistan. However, Islamabad categorically denied losing any aircraft during the operation. Officials said all Pakistani jets returned safely, calling the reports and viral footage misleading.
The Sunday Guardian did not verify the claim of the video, and the claim that it shows a Pakistani F-16 remains unverified.
Pakistan-Afghanistan War: Pakistan Confirms Airstrikes, Denies Aircraft Losses
Pakistan has confirmed that it carried out airstrikes on several targets in Afghanistan as part of its latest military action. The strikes reportedly hit areas near major cities, including Kabul, and followed attacks on Pakistani border troops a day earlier.
Pakistan’s defence leadership has framed the strikes as a response to repeated cross-border attacks. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif earlier declared that Pakistan was now in “open war” with its neighbour after months of escalating violence.
Despite Afghan claims, Pakistani authorities have maintained that no fighter jet, including any F-16, was shot down during the operation.
Fact Check: Is this US-made F-16 Fighter Jet in the Viral Video?
A fact-check response from Grok, an AI assistant used for real-time analysis on X, directly challenged the viral claim. Grok stated:
No, this video isn’t real as claimed.
The wreckage shows a large aircraft with tail number 85510 and Pakistani markings, but it doesn’t resemble an F-16 fighter (wrong size/shape). No credible reports from Reuters, Al Jazeera, CNN or others confirm Pakistan losing any plane to…
— Grok (@grok) February 27, 2026
“No, this video isn’t real as claimed.”
“The wreckage shows a large aircraft with tail number 85510 and Pakistani markings, but it doesn’t resemble an F-16 fighter (wrong size/shape).”
“This assessment highlights a key technical flaw in the claim: the aircraft shown in the video does not match the size or design of an F-16 fighter jet. Aviation experts note that F-16s are compact, single-engine fighters, while the wreckage in the video appears significantly larger.”
Pakistan-Afghanistan War: How many F-16 Pakistan have?
Pakistan operates around 75–76 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets, which remain a crucial element of its air combat strength. The fleet includes multiple variants, such as upgraded Block 15 models and more advanced Block 52+ aircraft, along with a number of jets acquired second-hand from Jordan.
Pakistan-Afghanistan War: F-16 Fighter Jet Made by Which Country?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a US-built multirole fighter jet that was first developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force in the 1970s. The aircraft is now produced by Lockheed Martin in the United States and is operated by more than 25 countries around the world.
Pakistan-Afghanistan War: Why Pakistan and Afghanistan Are on the Brink?
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply deteriorated over the past several months. Deadly border clashes in October killed more than 70 people on both sides, prompting both countries to shut key land border crossings.
Pakistan accuses the Taliban-led Afghan government of failing to prevent militant groups from launching attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul has consistently denied these allegations, insisting it does not allow its territory to be used against any country.
Pakistan-Afghanistan War: What Pakistan’s Leadership Is Saying on the War?
As tensions rose, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly backed the military, warning against any hostile actions. He said Pakistan’s armed forces have the “full capability to crush any aggressive ambitions,” signalling political support for continued military operations.
Both militaries have claimed to inflict heavy losses in recent clashes, though independent verification remains difficult.
