US Denies New AMRAAM Missile Deal with Pakistan, Calls It Routine Maintenance Contract

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 The contract is primarily for the "sustainment" of existing missiles, including updating outdated parts of the processor and electronics.