US–Pakistan AMRAAM Missile Deal

1. Background of the Deal

• The United States has confirmed the supply of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles to Pakistan.

• The announcement follows Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Washington.

• The deal is part of a new phase in defence cooperation between the two countries.

• It involves an expanded contract with Raytheon, the US-based defence manufacturer.

• Contract Value: Over $2.51 billion.

• Completion Timeline: Expected by May 2030.

• Variants Included: AIM-120 C8 and D3 (latest and most advanced versions).

2. What Is the AIM-120 AMRAAM Missile?

• Full Form: Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM).

• Type: Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile.

• Developed by: United States (Raytheon).

• Operational Since: 1991 (development started in the late 1970s–1980s).

• Speed: Nearly Mach 4 (~4 times the speed of sound).

• Guidance System:

  • Fire-and-forget technology – after launch, no need for pilot guidance.

  • Active radar homing – missile carries its own radar to track targets.

• Capabilities:

  • Engages targets at long ranges (up to 160 km under ideal conditions).

  • Operates effectively in all weather conditions.

  • High accuracy, range, and resistance to jamming (especially in C8 and D3 variants).

3. Key Features of the Latest Versions (C8 and D3)

• Extended range and improved propulsion system.

• Enhanced electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) to overcome jamming.

• Compact design, allowing more missiles to be carried on aircraft.

• Better integration with modern fighter aircraft radars and avionics.

4. Global Users of AMRAAM

• Used by 40+ countries globally.

• Major Operators: USA, UK, Japan, Germany, Australia, Norway, and now Pakistan.

• Compatible Aircraft:

  • US: F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, F-35

  • Europe: Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab Gripen

  • Pakistan: F-16 Fighting Falcon

5. Limitations of AMRAAM

• Range variability: Actual combat range may be lower than 160 km due to:

  • Altitude of launch

  • Target manoeuvrability

  • Electronic warfare and countermeasures

• High cost: Expensive to produce and maintain; reserved for critical missions, not routine patrols.

• Dependency on radar data: Effectiveness depends on radar lock and data-link quality.

6. India’s Equivalent: The Astra Missile

• Developed by: DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), India.

• Type: Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile.

• Range: 80–110 km.

• Speed: Over Mach 4.

• Guidance System:

  • Inertial navigation system + active radar homing.

• Compatible Aircraft: Su-30MKI, Tejas, and future integration with Mirage-2000 and MiG-29.

• Significance:

  • Boosts indigenous defence capability.

  • Reduces dependence on foreign arms.

  • Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence production.

7. Strategic Significance of the Deal

For Pakistan

• Strengthens air combat and interception capabilities.

• Enhances deterrence against regional adversaries (especially India).

• Reflects efforts to diversify defence partnerships, not rely solely on China.

• Supports maintenance and upgrade of its F-16 fleet.

For the United States

• Revives defence ties with Pakistan after a long lull post-2011 (Osama bin Laden episode).

• Helps maintain leverage over Pakistan’s military establishment.

• Part of regional balancing strategy — managing ties with both India and Pakistan.

• Strengthens counterterrorism and strategic influence in South Asia amid China’s growing role.

For India

• Raises concerns over regional security balance.

• India views US arms supply to Pakistan as strategically sensitive, despite the Indo-US partnership.

• However, India’s focus on indigenous missile programs (like Astra and SFDR-based Astra Mk2) provides a counterbalance.

8. Broader Geopolitical Context

• Comes amid growing US-China competition in South Asia.

• Pakistan seeks to reduce dependency on China’s defence sector (esp. under CPEC framework).

• The US uses such deals to retain influence in Islamabad, even while deepening ties with New Delhi through platforms like:

  • Quad (with India, Japan, Australia, US)

  • iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies).

9. Prelims Pointers

10. UPSC Mains Relevance

GS Paper 2 – International Relations

• Topic: India and its neighbourhood relations

• Keywords: US-Pakistan Defence Cooperation, Strategic Balance, Arms Diplomacy, South Asia Security.

Possible Question:

“Discuss the strategic implications of renewed US-Pakistan defence cooperation for India’s security and regional stability in South Asia.”

GS Paper 3 – Internal Security / Defence

• Role of indigenous defence production in maintaining strategic autonomy (Astra missile case study).

11. Summary for Quick Revision

• US–Pakistan deal: $2.51 billion for AIM-120 C8/D3 missiles.

• Enhances Pakistan’s air combat capability.

• US aims to maintain influence in Pakistan amid China’s rise.

• India counters with indigenous Astra missile development.

• Implication: Renewed great-power competition shaping South Asian defence dynamics.

📘 Source for UPSC Study: www.victorgrowth.com