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US Denies New AMRAAM Missile Deal with Pakistan, Calls It Routine Maintenance Contract
In a major blow to Pakistan, the US has put a halt to the reported deal for AMRAAM missiles, but only related to the maintenance of the old system.
In a big setback for Pakistan, the US has suspended the so-called deal for the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). Following reports in recent Pakistani media, the US Embassy clarified that it is not a fresh deal, but a continuation of maintaining the current missiles. Pakistan is not being provided with new AMRAAM missiles, nor an upgrade to its current weapons.
Last week, the US Department of War issued an additional contract modification worth $41.6 million to Raytheon Company, bringing the total value to $2.51 billion. Pakistan was included in the list of buyers for this contract, fueling speculation that it was a deal for new AIM-120C8/D3 variant missiles for the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) F-16 fighter jets. Pakistani media celebrated this as a "multi-billion dollar defense deal," especially after Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's recent visit to the United States.
However, on Thursday, the US Embassy in India categorically rejected these claims in a press release. "Contrary to false media reports, no part of this contract modification involves the delivery of new AMRAAM missiles to Pakistan. It also does not add any upgrades to Pakistan's existing capabilities," the embassy said. The contract is primarily for the "sustainment" of existing missiles, including updating outdated parts of the processor and electronics.
Pakistan purchased approximately 700 AMRAAM missiles in 2007, which are compatible with its F-16 jets. These were used to shoot down an Indian MiG-21 after the 2019 Balakot airstrike. Pakistan had been distancing itself from the US in recent years, but there were hopes of improved relations under the Trump administration. This news came after Pakistani Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar visited Washington in July 2025, but now the US has clarified that no major arms package is coming.
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This clarification is a relief for India. US-India defense relations have been unstable in recent times, but now that Pakistan is not being given new air power, regional balance will be ensured. India, for its part, is asking for technical support from the US for the production of Stryker combat vehicles. This comment by the US Embassy is a blow to Pakistani propaganda that could have escalated regional tensions.
