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Pakistan is set to acquire the AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) by 2030.
Earlier this year, Munir had visited Washington and was hosted by President Trump for lunch at the White House. (IMAGE: REUTERS)
The United States has approved the sale of advanced air-to-air missiles to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), underscoring a revival in military cooperation between the two nations. According to an official document released by Washington, Pakistan is set to acquire the AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) by 2030. The delivery forms part of a broader list of weapon sales to US allies and partners globally.
The AIM-120D-3 is the latest and most advanced variant of the AMRAAM family, designed for beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements against enemy aircraft and incoming missiles. Defence analysts note that this missile will considerably enhance the operational range and precision of Pakistan’s existing F-16 fleet, making it better equipped to respond to aerial threats.
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According to top defence sources, Pakistan had long been lobbying for the acquisition of new-generation AMRAAMs to replace its ageing AIM-120C-5 variants, which were supplied along with the F-16 Block 52 aircraft in 2010. With India’s rapid modernisation of its air fleet — including the induction of Rafale jets equipped with Meteor missiles — Islamabad had been under pressure to bridge the capability gap.
The decision reportedly followed a series of high-level meetings held in July 2025, when Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu met senior US military and political leaders in Washington. The discussions, described as “landmark” by diplomatic insiders, focused on defence cooperation, counter-terrorism, and regional stability.
This move comes months after the United States extended assistance to Pakistan in repairing F-16 jets damaged during India’s “Operation Sindoor” — a retaliatory strike that left several PAF aircraft grounded. Washington’s support in refurbishing those assets marked the first concrete sign of renewed strategic engagement between the two sides after years of strained ties.
Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir recently held a series of meetings with US President Donald Trump and senior defence officials. Sources suggest the conversations revolved around counterterrorism, defence modernisation, and regional balance, signaling that Pakistan-US military relations are once again entering a phase of pragmatic cooperation.
About the Author
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
October 07, 2025, 11:49 IST
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