In a significant step reflecting strengthening US-Pakistan defense ties, the United States has approved the sale of advanced air-to-air missiles to Pakistan. Defense manufacturer Raytheon will provide the country with its latest variants of the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). The move marks Pakistan’s inclusion in a modified U.S. defense contract, highlighting renewed strategic cooperation between Islamabad and Washington.
Pakistan Included in Major U.S. Defense Contract
According to a September 30 announcement by the U.S. Department of War, Raytheon Technologies received a $41.6 million modification to a previously awarded contract for AMRAAM production. The contract now includes Pakistan among several international buyers, a notable addition after the country was absent from the original May 7 deal.
The updated contract increases the total value of the AMRAAM agreement from $2.47 billion to $2.5 billion. Work will take place in Tucson, Arizona, with completion expected by May 30, 2030.
Advanced Missiles for Pakistan’s F-16 Fleet
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) will equip its F-16 fighter jets with the upgraded AMRAAM variants — the C8 and D3 models. These missiles are among the most advanced in the U.S. arsenal, known for their precision targeting, beyond-visual-range engagement, and reliability in combat.
The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a radar-guided missile capable of engaging multiple aerial threats simultaneously. It offers a significant boost to the PAF’s air combat capabilities, reinforcing Pakistan’s deterrence posture in the region.
Longstanding Partnership in Air Power
This is not Pakistan’s first engagement with the AMRAAM system. In January 2007, Pakistan purchased 700 AMRAAM missiles in what was then the largest international order for the weapon. These missiles have since become a vital part of the PAF’s defense inventory.
The system gained attention in February 2019 during “Operation Swift Retort,” when Pakistan used AMRAAM-equipped F-16s to intercept and shoot down two Indian Air Force jets violating Pakistani airspace over Kashmir. The event underscored the effectiveness of the weapon system and Pakistan’s aerial defense readiness.
A Broad Coalition of Buyers
Pakistan joins an extensive list of nations participating in the AMRAAM program, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and several European and Asian allies. This inclusion signals a growing U.S. willingness to integrate Pakistan into its broader defense network, especially as global security dynamics shift in Asia and beyond.
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Raytheon’s latest production contract ensures the delivery of both the C8 and D3 AMRAAM variants to all partner countries over the next five years. The company continues to serve as one of the primary missile suppliers for U.S. and allied air forces, maintaining its position as a global leader in advanced weapons systems.
Strategic Implications for Pakistan
The addition of advanced AMRAAMs strengthens Pakistan’s defensive and offensive capabilities in aerial warfare. Analysts view this as part of Islamabad’s broader effort to modernize its air fleet amid regional tensions and rapid military advancements by neighboring countries.
For the PAF, the new missiles enhance its ability to engage threats at long range, providing a technological edge in any potential conflict scenario. The deal also reaffirms Pakistan’s status as a trusted defense partner for the U.S. in South Asia — a partnership that has fluctuated but now appears to be on a renewed upward trajectory.
Sign of Warming Diplomatic Relations
Beyond the military sphere, the missile sale represents a broader warming of US-Pakistan defense ties. In recent months, both countries have demonstrated a willingness to rebuild strategic and diplomatic cooperation after years of strained relations.
Washington has acknowledged Pakistan’s counterterrorism support, including its assistance in capturing an Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K) operative. U.S. officials have also credited Pakistan with helping to defuse potential conflicts in South Asia, reflecting a shift toward greater trust and engagement.
Economic and Strategic Gains
The improved relationship has extended beyond defense. Pakistan has recently attracted growing U.S. investor interest in its oil, mineral, and digital asset sectors. Favorable trade negotiations, particularly in tariff adjustments, have also opened new opportunities for economic growth.
Furthermore, Islamabad’s signals of openness to cryptocurrency and digital finance have positioned it as a forward-looking partner for U.S. businesses exploring emerging markets. Together, these developments suggest a strategic alignment that blends defense cooperation with economic partnership.
A Turning Point for Regional Balance
For both nations, this latest defense agreement carries long-term implications. The U.S. gains a stable security ally in a volatile region, while Pakistan strengthens its military posture and international credibility. As tensions persist in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East, the revival of Washington-Islamabad collaboration could play a stabilizing role in regional geopolitics.
While challenges remain, this arms deal may well mark a new era in mutual trust. With advanced weaponry, shared security objectives, and growing economic ties, Pakistan appears to be reestablishing itself as a key U.S. partner in South Asia — one missile at a time.
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