US to Supply Advanced AMRAAM Missiles to Pakistan

The United States has confirmed supplying Pakistan with AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). This follows Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Washington. The deal is part of a new phase in defence cooperation between the two countries. It involves an expanded contract with Raytheon, the American defence manufacturer. The contract, now valued at over $2.51 billion, covers production of the missile’s latest variants, the C8 and D3, with completion expected by May 2030.

What Is the AIM-120 AMRAAM Missile?

The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a widely used beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile. Developed in the US during the late 1970s and 1980s, it became operational in 1991. Its key feature is the fire-and-forget capability. Once launched, the missile uses its onboard radar to track targets independently. This frees the pilot from guiding the missile, allowing long-range engagement. The latest versions, C8 and D3, offer improved range, accuracy and resistance to electronic countermeasures. The missile can reach speeds near Mach 4 and operate in all weather conditions.

Current Global Users of AMRAAM

AMRAAM is used by over 40 countries including the US, UK, Japan, Germany, Australia and now Pakistan. It is deployed on fighter jets like the US F-15, F-16, and F-35, as well as European Typhoon and Gripen aircraft. Pakistan’s F-16 fleet is compatible with AMRAAM, and the new missiles are expected to enhance its air combat capabilities .

Limitations of the AMRAAM Missile

The missile’s performance depends on several factors such as altitude, target manoeuvres and electronic jamming. Its effective range, often cited up to 160 kilometres, can vary in real combat conditions. AMRAAM is expensive to produce and maintain. Therefore, it is reserved for high-value missions rather than routine patrols.

India’s Equivalent Air-to-Air Missile

India does not operate AMRAAM due to US export restrictions. Instead, India has developed the Astra missile, designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Astra has similar capabilities with a range of 80 to 110 kilometres and speeds over Mach 4. It uses inertial guidance and active radar homing. Astra is compatible with India’s Su-30MKI and Tejas fighter jets and is becoming a key part of India’s air arsenal.

Significance of the Deal for Pakistan and US

This deal marks renewed US-Pakistan military cooperation after years of limited engagement. It follows a smaller 2022 US approval to sustain Pakistan’s existing F-16 fleet. For the US, the deal balances its strategic partnership with India while maintaining ties with Pakistan’s military. For Pakistan, the AMRAAM supply strengthens its aerial defence amid domestic challenges and regional competition.