US Approves Sale of Advanced Air-to-Air Missiles to Pakistan
October 8, 2025
Washington / Islamabad: The United States has officially included Pakistan among the recipients of its Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) under an updated contract with defense giant Raytheon and the US Air Force, marking a major boost to the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) aerial capabilities.
According to a September 30 press release from the US Department of Defense, the latest modification to Raytheon’s existing agreement raises the total contract value from $2.47 billion to $2.5 billion. The expanded deal — worth $41.6 million — now includes foreign military sales to over 30 countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Pakistan.
The AMRAAM missiles will be integrated into Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet, a key component of the country’s air defense system. Production of the upgraded C8 and D3 variants will take place at Raytheon’s facility in Tucson, Arizona, with completion expected by May 30, 2030.
Pakistan had previously purchased 700 AMRAAM missiles in 2007 — one of the largest international acquisitions of the weapon at the time — underscoring the longstanding defense cooperation between Islamabad and Washington.
The newly approved AMRAAM C8 and D3 variants are among the most advanced air-to-air missile systems in the world. Equipped with active radar guidance, extended range, and “fire-and-forget” technology, these missiles enable pilots to engage multiple targets simultaneously with remarkable accuracy.
Designed for beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat, the missiles perform effectively in all weather conditions and can receive in-flight updates to improve precision.
Defense analysts say the inclusion of these systems will significantly strengthen the Pakistan Air Force’s deterrence and combat readiness, enhancing its ability to counter evolving aerial threats in the region.
The move reflects a renewed phase of US-Pakistan defense cooperation, as Islamabad continues to modernize its air capabilities through strategic partnerships and advanced technology acquisitions.
