US Approves $2.5 Billion Missile Sale to Pakistan’s Air Force

News Desk

Islamabad: The United States has approved the sale of state-of-the-art air-to-air missiles to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), signalling a revival of defense collaboration between the two countries after years of limited engagement.

According to official documents released by Washington, Pakistan will receive the AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) — the most sophisticated variant in the series — by 2030.

The $2.5 billion contract, awarded to Raytheon Company, covers the production of AMRAAMs for multiple allied nations, including Pakistan, Turkiye, and other U.S. partners, the US Department of War (formerly Defense) confirmed.

A Major Upgrade for Pakistan’s F-16 Fleet

The AIM-120D-3 missile represents the latest generation of the AMRAAM family, engineered for beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat. It is capable of neutralizing enemy aircraft and incoming missiles with superior precision, speed, and range.

Defense analysts say the acquisition will significantly boost the strike and defensive capabilities of Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, replacing the AIM-120C-5 versions currently in service since the 2010 delivery of F-16 Block 52 aircraft.

“The AIM-120D-3 will provide the Pakistan Air Force a distinct advantage in BVR engagements, enhancing both precision and operational flexibility,” said defense experts, calling the deal a key step toward fleet modernization.

High-Level Talks

Pakistan has reportedly been seeking upgraded AMRAAMs for several years to strengthen its air defense capabilities amid evolving regional dynamics.

The breakthrough came following a series of high-level meetings in July, when PAF Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu visited Washington and met senior U.S. military and political leaders. Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir also held multiple meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and top defense officials, underscoring renewed strategic cooperation between Islamabad and Washington.

Efficiency and Self-Reliance

Earlier today, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reaffirmed that Pakistan’s defense modernization strategy focuses on efficiency, self-reliance, and technological adaptability.

In an interview with Bloomberg, the ISPR chief said Pakistan’s approach to defense development is “guided by a commitment to effective and efficient platforms and domestic innovation.”

He added that Islamabad remains “ready to acquire all kinds of technology — whether self-developed or sourced from the East or West” — reflecting Pakistan’s pragmatic stance on defense cooperation and modernization.