The United States has approved a major missile sale to Pakistan, signaling renewed military cooperation. Pakistan will receive AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles by 2030. These missiles are the latest and most advanced in the AMRAAM series. The deal is part of a $2.5 billion contract with Raytheon Company. The contract also includes supplies for other US allies like Turkey.
This missile upgrade will greatly improve Pakistan Air Force’s F-16 fleet. The AIM-120D-3 offers better accuracy and longer range than older models. It replaces the AIM-120C-5 missiles supplied in 2010 with Pakistan’s F-16 Block 52 aircraft. Defense experts say the new missiles will give Pakistan a clear edge in beyond-visual-range combat. This marks a significant step in modernizing Pakistan’s air defense.
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Pakistan had sought new-generation AMRAAM missiles for years to keep up with regional threats. The breakthrough came after high-level talks in Washington in July. Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu led these meetings with US officials. Recently, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir also met US leaders, including President Donald Trump. These visits show growing practical cooperation between the two militaries.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif emphasized the country’s defense strategy. He said Pakistan focuses on effective, efficient platforms and domestic technology. Lt Gen Sharif added Pakistan welcomes technologies from both Eastern and Western sources. This balanced approach shows Islamabad’s pragmatic stance on modernizing its defense capabilities.
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Overall, the missile deal marks a major milestone in US-Pakistan defense ties. It strengthens Pakistan’s air power and regional security posture. With this upgrade, Pakistan is better positioned to protect its airspace. The deal also highlights increasing defense collaboration between the two countries. Both sides appear committed to deepening their military relationship in coming years.