United States Approves Advanced Missile Sale to Pakistan Air Force, Enhancing Military Partnership -

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Summary – The U.S. government has approved the sale of AIM-120D-3 missiles to Pakistan, signifying a deepening of military cooperation and enhancing Pakistan’s F-16 fighter capabilities.,

Article –

Details of the Missile Sale

On September 2025, the sale was authorized to integrate these advanced air-to-air missiles with Pakistan’s existing fleet of F-16 fighter jets. The AIM-120D-3 represents one of the latest variants in the AIM-120 AMRAAM series, offering:

Improved range
Greater accuracy
Enhanced resistance to countermeasures

Key Parties Involved

The transaction involves multiple stakeholders, including:

U.S. Department of Defense and Department of State – responsible for approving and managing foreign military sales.
Pakistan Air Force – the recipient of the missile systems to upgrade its combat capabilities.
Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) – will facilitate the coordination of the transaction and associated training programs.

Official Statements

The U.S. Department of State stressed that the sale aligns with policies aimed at promoting stability in South Asia and supporting Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence welcomed the sale, highlighting its role in strengthening national defense and aerial combat readiness.

Reactions in the United States and Pakistan

The response to the missile sale has been mixed:

In the U.S. – Defense analysts generally view it as reinforcing Pakistan’s role in regional security, but some Congressional voices urge caution to avoid escalating tensions.
In Pakistan – The deal is widely seen as a diplomatic success, bolstering national security and reaffirming strong military ties with the United States.

Next Steps

Following the approval, the next phases include:

Formal contract finalization
Scheduling delivery of the missiles
Providing training for Pakistani pilots and maintenance personnel
Potential upgrades to fighter jet avionics and weapon integration systems

These developments may pave the way for deeper strategic cooperation, including joint military exercises and advanced technology sharing.

Regional Context

This arms sale comes amid a sensitive security environment in South Asia, with ongoing conflicts and strategic rivalries. The United States aims to balance regional power dynamics while enhancing the defense capabilities of a key partner nation.