In a significant defense development, the U.S. has agreed to sell advanced AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles to Pakistan, as announced on October 10, 2025. The deal, confirmed by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, aims to strengthen Pakistan’s air defense capabilities amid rising regional tensions. The AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) system will enhance the Pakistani Air Force’s ability to counter high-speed aerial threats and improve interoperability with existing fighter jets. This agreement follows previous arms deals between the two nations, including the 2019 sale of F-16 upgrade kits and the 2022 transfer of precision-guided munitions. Such collaborations have historically drawn international attention, particularly from India, which has expressed concerns over potential shifts in regional military balance. Pakistan’s military leadership, including Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, emphasized that the acquisition is purely defensive and necessary for safeguarding national airspace. Officials from the U.S. and Pakistan stated that the deal includes technical training, logistical support, and integration services to ensure the effective deployment of the missile systems. While the agreement strengthens bilateral defence cooperation, it also signals ongoing strategic maneuvering in South Asia, where both nuclear-armed neighbours continue to modernize and expand their arsenals amid persistent geopolitical tensions. #PakistanDefense #AMRAAMMissiles #USPakistanDeal #AirForceUpgrade #KhawajaMuhammadAsif #LloydAustin #ZaheerAhmedBaberSidhu #RegionalSecurity #SouthAsiaTensions #MilitaryTechnology
