KARACHI: The United States has included Pakistan among several countries set to receive AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), sparking fresh speculation about potential upgrades to the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) F-16 fleet.
According to a notification by the US Department of War (DoW) formerly the Department of Defense the missile manufacturer Raytheon has received an amended contract worth $41.6 million, bringing the total value of the deal to over $2.5 billion. The contract modification (FA8675-23-C-0037, P00026) covers production of the AIM-120C8 and AIM-120D3 variants, with completion expected by May 2030.
Pakistan joins a wide list of countries, including the United Kingdom, Poland, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Turkey, as part of this foreign military sales agreement. Although the exact number of missiles to be delivered to Pakistan remains undisclosed, the inclusion has fueled talk of upcoming enhancements to PAF’s F-16 capabilities.
In Pakistan’s arsenal, the AMRAAM missile is exclusively used with F-16 fighter jets and was reportedly deployed during Operation Swift Retort in 2019, when the PAF shot down an Indian MiG-21 flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.
Defence analysts note that the AIM-120C8, also known as the export version of the AIM-120D, represents a major technological leap over older variants. The PAF currently operates the C5 version, acquired alongside its Block 52 F-16s in 2010.
The development comes shortly after PAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar’s official visit to the US State Department in July, further adding weight to reports of renewed defence cooperation between Islamabad and Washington.
In essence, the missile deal signals strengthening military ties and potential modernization of Pakistan’s air combat fleet, positioning the PAF to maintain a strategic edge in regional air defence.
