The U.S. defense contractor Raytheon has officially included Pakistan among the countries authorized to purchase its Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), marking a notable advancement in bilateral defense collaboration.
A U.S. Department of Defense statement on September 30 confirmed a $41.6 million contract modification that extends the existing agreement to Pakistan, increasing its total value to $2.5 billion from $2.47 billion. The C-8 and D-3 variants of the missiles will be produced in Tucson, Arizona, with delivery expected by May 2030.
The updated deal now covers several U.S. allies, including the UK, Germany, Japan, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, with Pakistan being a new addition not included in the May contract. These advanced U.S.-made missiles will bolster Pakistan Air Force’s F-16 fleet, which famously used AMRAAMs during Operation Swift Retort (2019) to down two intruding Indian jets.
Observers view the move as a sign of improving U.S.–Pakistan relations, reflecting Washington’s growing engagement in security, trade, and energy cooperation with Islamabad. Defense experts believe this deal will boost Pakistan’s air defense strength and reinforce its strategic importance in South Asia.
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