The United States has recently approved a $41 million modification order involving missile manufacturer Raytheon, listing Pakistan as one of the recipients.
U.S. Approves $41 Million AMRAAM Missile Deal with Pakistan
The United States has recently approved a $41 million modification order involving missile manufacturer Raytheon, listing Pakistan as one of the recipients. The update has triggered speculation regarding the type and purpose of weapons being transferred; however, reports suggest it could be a standard upgrade to Pakistan’s existing air-to-air missile systems.
About the Deal
At the heart of this development is the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) — specifically its C8 and D3 variants. These upgraded models are already in operational use with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and were reportedly deployed by F-16 fighters during the 2019 Balakot engagement.
The renewed deal coincides with Pakistan’s broader efforts to modernize its air combat fleet and revitalize defence cooperation with the United States after a prolonged period of limited military collaboration.
What is the AMRAAM Missile?
The AIM-120 AMRAAM is one of the most advanced and widely used beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles in the world. Developed by the United States in the late 1970s and 1980s, it entered operational service in 1991, replacing older radar-guided systems.
Its defining innovation was its “fire-and-forget” capability, which allows pilots to fire the missile and immediately disengage, as the missile’s onboard radar system autonomously tracks and intercepts the target. This makes it particularly effective in high-speed aerial engagements where sustained radar lock is not feasible.
Technical Features
Over time, the AMRAAM has evolved from its early A and B models into more capable variants like the C8 and D3, which offer:
- Extended operational range (up to 160 km)
- Improved accuracy and guidance
- Resistance to electronic countermeasures (ECM)
- All-weather operability
- Top speeds near Mach 4
These features enable it to engage enemy aircraft across medium to long distances, depending on the launch conditions and target maneuvers.
Global Operators
The AMRAAM is currently fielded by over 40 nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and Australia. It is compatible with a wide range of aircraft such as the F-15, F-16, F-18, F-35, as well as Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab Gripen.
For Pakistan, whose air defense fleet heavily relies on F-16 fighters, the AMRAAM provides a significant edge in beyond-visual-range aerial combat, further enhancing its deterrence and precision engagement capabilities.
Limitations and Range Factors
Despite its advanced design, the AMRAAM’s actual performance can vary depending on altitude, target maneuverability, and environmental conditions. Factors like electronic jamming or terrain interference may reduce its maximum effective range, estimated at around 160 km for newer versions.
India’s Equivalent: The Astra Missile
While India does not operate AMRAAM missiles due to U.S. export restrictions, the country has indigenously developed the Astra Beyond-Visual-Range Missile, designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
First tested in the 2010s, the Astra is now in service with the Indian Air Force. It offers:
- An operational range of 80–110 km
- Speeds exceeding Mach 4
- Inertial guidance with active radar homing in terminal phase
The Astra program reflects India’s growing self-reliance in advanced missile technologies and serves as a credible counterpart to systems like the AMRAAM.
Conclusion
The $41 million AMRAAM deal underscores Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to modernize its air capabilities and maintain operational parity in the region. Meanwhile, India’s indigenous advancements, such as the Astra missile, highlight a parallel path toward strategic autonomy and technological independence in air warfare systems.
