WASHINGTON: The United States (US) has approved the sale of advanced AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles to Pakistan, that would provide PAF a major upgrade, a move that has drawn concern from India’s defence establishment.
The approval, announced by the US Department of Defense (DoD) on October 6, 2025, includes Pakistan among over 30 nations set to receive the latest variants of the AMRAAM missile under a $41.6 billion export programme.
According to defence sources, the inclusion of Pakistan in this deal signals a possible upgrade for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 fleet.
These missiles, developed by Raytheon, are known for their long-range, precision, and resilience against electronic jamming, giving aircraft enhanced beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagement capability.
MAJOR BOOST FOR PAF
Pakistan currently operates F-16C/D Block-50/52 fighters, equipped with earlier AIM-120C-5 and C-7 missiles. The addition of AIM-120C-8 and AIM-120D-3 variants could significantly enhance the PAF’s reach and accuracy in air combat.
The AIM-120D-3 version is believed to have an effective range of more than 150 kilometres, nearly double that of the previous models.
The new missile features improved data links, updated guidance software, and stronger resistance to countermeasures, crucial for modern air battles.
The AIM-120 AMRAAM series is the backbone of modern Western air combat. More than a dozen NATO and allied air forces use it. Pakistan first received AMRAAMs in the mid-2000s under an F-16 modernization package.
The new approval, part of the largest AMRAAM export deal in US history, suggests renewed strategic confidence in Islamabad’s ability to responsibly manage advanced weapons technology.
INDIA EXPRESSES UNEASE
Following reports of Pakistan’s inclusion, Indian defence analysts voiced concern over what they see as a shift in the regional air balance. Indian media described the deal as “strategically sensitive,” saying it could extend Pakistan’s BVR reach beyond most of India’s existing air-to-air missiles.
In response, India is considering countermeasures, including the MICA-NG missile for its Rafales and the Astra Mk-II, an indigenous BVR missile under development by DRDO. Both systems are expected to match or exceed AMRAAM performance once inducted.
