US Approves Advanced Missile Sale to Pakistan, Strengthening Defence Ties
In a significant shift in defence relations, the United States has formally approved the sale of AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Pakistan This marks a renewed era of military cooperation between Washington and Islamabad.
The approval comes as part of a larger USD 2.5 billion contract with American defense firm Raytheon to deliver these cutting-edge missiles to Pakistan’s air force. Under the agreement, Pakistan will gradually receive the AIM-120D-3 variants by 2030. The upgrade is aimed at replacing older AIM-120C-5 missiles currently in service with Pakistan’s F-16 Block-52 fleet.
High-level discussions held earlier this year between Pakistani defence leadership and U.S. officials paved the way for the approval. The Pakistani side has emphasized that this modernization is crucial to keeping pace with regional security challenges.
The AIM-120D-3 represents one of the latest iterations in the AMRAAM family, offering improved range, higher reliability, better guidance, and enhanced electronic counter-countermeasures compared to older C-series models. These features are expected to bolster Pakistan’s beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat ability, giving its fighter jets stronger air superiority tools.
By integrating these missiles into its F-16 fleet, Pakistan aims to better deter potential adversaries and strengthen its aerial defence posture. The upgrade also underscores Islamabad’s intent to modernize its defence architecture through partnerships with Western technology providers.
The missile deal is symbolic of a warming in U.S.-Pakistan defence ties after periods of cooling and mistrust. It comes at a moment when both nations see renewed strategic interest in collaboration. While Pakistan has traditionally leaned on other arms suppliers, especially China, this deal indicates a pragmatic balance in Islamabad’s approach to military procurement.
However, the deal does not come without sensitivity. In 2024, the U.S. imposed sanctions on several Pakistani entities associated with ballistic missile development, citing proliferation concerns. Pakistan had strongly protested these sanctions, calling them discriminatory and destabilizing to regional peace. As such, this missile sale must navigate the dual dynamic of cooperation and caution.
India, Pakistan’s neighbor and strategic rival, is likely to monitor the deal closely. A stronger Pakistan air defence capability may prompt recalibrations in South Asia’s defense balance.
Even with the U.S. approval, the deal’s success depends heavily on implementation. Pakistan must ensure training, infrastructure upgrades, logistical support, and integration of the new missiles into existing platforms. Delays, political objections, or export control issues in the U.S. may complicate delivery timelines.
Furthermore, any escalation in regional tensions could bring pressures, with stakeholders taking note of how the new capabilities are employed.
The U.S. decision to sell AIM-120D-3 missiles to Pakistan marks a milestone in the bilateral defence relationship, offering Islamabad a pathway to modernize its air combat capability. While it reflects mutual strategic interests, the deal must be carefully managed amid geopolitical sensitivities, export control regimes, and regional security dynamics. If executed effectively, this cooperation could represent a deeper shift in U.S.-Pakistan military engagement.
The approval comes as part of a larger USD 2.5 billion contract with American defense firm Raytheon to deliver these cutting-edge missiles to Pakistan’s air force. Under the agreement, Pakistan will gradually receive the AIM-120D-3 variants by 2030. The upgrade is aimed at replacing older AIM-120C-5 missiles currently in service with Pakistan’s F-16 Block-52 fleet.
High-level discussions held earlier this year between Pakistani defence leadership and U.S. officials paved the way for the approval. The Pakistani side has emphasized that this modernization is crucial to keeping pace with regional security challenges.
The AIM-120D-3 represents one of the latest iterations in the AMRAAM family, offering improved range, higher reliability, better guidance, and enhanced electronic counter-countermeasures compared to older C-series models. These features are expected to bolster Pakistan’s beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat ability, giving its fighter jets stronger air superiority tools.
By integrating these missiles into its F-16 fleet, Pakistan aims to better deter potential adversaries and strengthen its aerial defence posture. The upgrade also underscores Islamabad’s intent to modernize its defence architecture through partnerships with Western technology providers.
The missile deal is symbolic of a warming in U.S.-Pakistan defence ties after periods of cooling and mistrust. It comes at a moment when both nations see renewed strategic interest in collaboration. While Pakistan has traditionally leaned on other arms suppliers, especially China, this deal indicates a pragmatic balance in Islamabad’s approach to military procurement.
However, the deal does not come without sensitivity. In 2024, the U.S. imposed sanctions on several Pakistani entities associated with ballistic missile development, citing proliferation concerns. Pakistan had strongly protested these sanctions, calling them discriminatory and destabilizing to regional peace. As such, this missile sale must navigate the dual dynamic of cooperation and caution.
India, Pakistan’s neighbor and strategic rival, is likely to monitor the deal closely. A stronger Pakistan air defence capability may prompt recalibrations in South Asia’s defense balance.
Even with the U.S. approval, the deal’s success depends heavily on implementation. Pakistan must ensure training, infrastructure upgrades, logistical support, and integration of the new missiles into existing platforms. Delays, political objections, or export control issues in the U.S. may complicate delivery timelines.
Furthermore, any escalation in regional tensions could bring pressures, with stakeholders taking note of how the new capabilities are employed.
The U.S. decision to sell AIM-120D-3 missiles to Pakistan marks a milestone in the bilateral defence relationship, offering Islamabad a pathway to modernize its air combat capability. While it reflects mutual strategic interests, the deal must be carefully managed amid geopolitical sensitivities, export control regimes, and regional security dynamics. If executed effectively, this cooperation could represent a deeper shift in U.S.-Pakistan military engagement.
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