U.S. Quietly Adds Pakistan to Global Buyers’ List for Advanced AIM-120 Missiles

US Quietly Adds Pakistan to Global Buyers' List for Advanced AIM-120 Missiles
By Ali Imran Chattha Lahore. October 7, 2025 | Nazrana Times
 

In a low-profile but strategically significant move, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has added Pakistan to an international production contract for Raytheon’s latest AIM-120C-8 and AIM-120D-3 air-to-air missiles. The inclusion, announced on October 6, 2025, comes through a $41.68 million contract modification that expands a broader $2.51 billion program designed to strengthen allied air forces worldwide.
This decision effectively reintegrates the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) into a consortium of advanced military buyers that includes Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Israel, Turkey, South Korea, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. It marks a quiet but notable step toward upgrading Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, which currently relies on earlier variants of the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) system.
A Subtle Expansion Amid Shifting Geopolitics
The modification, designated P00026, updates an existing Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract (FA8675-23-C-0037) and covers initial administrative, training, and limited production costs. The exact number of missiles to be delivered to Pakistan remains undisclosed.
Defense analysts see the move as a measured revival of U.S.-Pakistan defense cooperation, which had cooled in recent years amid concerns over Pakistan’s ties with China. “This isn’t a headline-grabbing sale notification like those sent to Congress for major arms deals,” a senior DoD official said on condition of anonymity. “It’s an incremental adjustment that quietly brings Pakistan back into the fold for next-generation capabilities.”
The AIM-120C-8 and D-3 are the most advanced variants of the AMRAAM family, known for their beyond-visual-range accuracy, advanced seekers, and superior resistance to electronic countermeasures. With ranges extending up to 100 miles, these missiles represent a major leap in air superiority capabilities for the PAF.
Strategic and Historical Context
Pakistan first procured AIM-120 missiles in the mid-2000s, acquiring about 500 AIM-120C-5 units as part of its F-16 sustainment program. Those stockpiles are nearing expiry by 2028, prompting the need for replenishment. The new inclusion could modernize the PAF’s arsenal just as India fields its Rafale jets equipped with Meteor missiles.
This development follows Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu’s July 2025 visit to Washington, where discussions focused on counterterrorism and aviation upgrades. Observers see the move as part of a broader U.S. strategy to re-engage Pakistan while balancing China’s growing footprint in the region.
Defense expert Bilal Khan of Quwa Defence News described the decision as “pragmatic realpolitik.” He noted, “By folding the PAF into this multibillion-dollar run, the U.S. is quietly signaling that Pakistan remains a key player in regional stability—without the fanfare that might irk New Delhi.”
Broader International Collaboration
The AMRAAM production initiative reflects the U.S. model of pooled procurement, lowering costs and boosting interoperability among allies. Participants include NATO partners, Indo-Pacific allies, and key Middle Eastern nations—illustrating the missile’s global appeal as one of the world’s most reliable air-to-air weapons.
Raytheon, now part of RTX Corporation, has increased production at its Tucson, Arizona facilities to meet growing demand. The addition of Pakistan to the program ensures consistent supply for allied fleets while deepening defense linkages across regions.
Looking Ahead
While Pakistan’s inclusion signals intent, full-scale sales will still require formal Congressional notification under the Arms Export Control Act. Analysts expect this step in the coming months, potentially unlocking hundreds of millions in additional funding. Delivery timelines could span 18 to 24 months, depending on production schedules.
For Islamabad, this development could subtly shift the aerial balance in South Asia, enhancing deterrence without triggering an overt arms race. As one Indian defense commentator observed in Indian Defence Research Wing, “The U.S. playing both sides again—classic Washington.”
The Pentagon has not provided further comments on the modification, but the move underscores Washington’s nuanced approach—supporting Pakistan’s defensive needs while navigating the complexities of a multipolar security environment.