AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles to be sold to NATO allies, Taiwan, Pakistan and Israel have sparked global attention. The United States has announced a new arms contract that includes the sale of AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to several countries. This development has raised strategic questions about whether Russia, China, India, and Iran should be concerned. The deal covers a long list of nations and highlights Washington’s continued policy of strengthening defense cooperation with key partners through advanced missile technology. The sales of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles could reshape regional air power balances and impact military strategies across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
AIM-120 AMRAAM Missiles to Be Sold to NATO Allies, Taiwan, Pakistan, Israel
United States is planning to sell AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles to NATO allies, Taiwan, Pakistan, and Israel. This sale comes through a contract notification issued by the US Department of War (DoW), formerly known as the Department of Defence. Pakistan is among the listed buyers. The deal has raised attention because of its size and the strategic implications for regional powers including Russia, China, India, and Iran.
AIM-120 AMRAAM Missiles Sale to NATO allies, Taiwan, Pakistan and Israel
Pakistan may receive AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) from the US. The arms contract notified by the DoW includes 35 countries. The deal may cost Pakistan $41.6 billion. The contract awarded to Raytheon Company, Tucson, Arizona, is valued at $2,512,389,558.
Other countries listed in the notification include the UK, Poland, Germany, Finland, Australia, Romania, Qatar, Oman, Korea, Greece, Switzerland, Portugal, Singapore, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Japan, Slovakia, Denmark, Canada, Belgium, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Norway, Spain, Kuwait, Sweden, Taiwan, Lithuania, Israel, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Turkey.
The work order is expected to be completed by May 30, 2030. The exact number of missiles Pakistan will receive is not clear.
AIM-120 AMRAAM Missile Capabilities
AIM-120 AMRAAM is an air-to-air missile with a range of 20 km to over 160 km depending on variant. It uses active radar homing and can guide itself after launch. The missile is supersonic, reaching speeds over Mach 4.
It can carry high-explosive fragmentation warheads. Fighter jets like F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, F-35, and NATO aircraft can launch it. The AIM-120C8 is the export version of AIM-120D, the main variant used by the US.
The missile is compatible with Pakistan’s F-16 jets. Reports indicate it was used to shoot down an Indian MiG-21 flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in February 2019.
Pakistan’s Air Force Potential Upgrades
The contract raises speculation about upgrades to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 jets. Currently, PAF operates the C5 variant. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar visited the US State Department in July, which aligns with discussions about missile procurement.
Relations between Pakistan and the US have shown improvement after the May conflict with India. President Donald Trump claimed a role in arranging the ceasefire. India maintains that the cessation of hostilities was agreed between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both militaries.
AMRAAM Integration with Other Fighter Jets
AMRAAM missiles are used in multiple fighter jets including F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, Eurofighter Typhoon, JAS-39 Gripen, Tornado, Harrier, and all F-35 variants. The missile is effective in air-to-air combat and surface-launch roles.
NASAMS, a ground-based air defense system developed by Raytheon, uses the AMRAAM missile as a baseline weapon. This allows countries to operate the missile in both air and surface roles.
Will AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles sale affect regional security?
The sale of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles to Pakistan, Taiwan, and Israel may affect regional security. Russia, China, India, and Iran may monitor the situation closely. The deal highlights the US’s foreign policy strategy of arming allied nations with advanced military technology.
FAQs
What is the range of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles?
The AIM-120 AMRAAM missile has a range of 20 km to over 160 km depending on its variant and generation.
Which aircraft can launch AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles?
Fighter jets like F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, F-35, Eurofighter, Gripen, Tornado, and Harrier can launch the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile.
AIM-120 AMRAAM Missiles to Be Sold to NATO Allies, Taiwan, Pakistan, Israel
United States is planning to sell AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles to NATO allies, Taiwan, Pakistan, and Israel. This sale comes through a contract notification issued by the US Department of War (DoW), formerly known as the Department of Defence. Pakistan is among the listed buyers. The deal has raised attention because of its size and the strategic implications for regional powers including Russia, China, India, and Iran.AIM-120 AMRAAM Missiles Sale to NATO allies, Taiwan, Pakistan and Israel
Pakistan may receive AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) from the US. The arms contract notified by the DoW includes 35 countries. The deal may cost Pakistan $41.6 billion. The contract awarded to Raytheon Company, Tucson, Arizona, is valued at $2,512,389,558.Other countries listed in the notification include the UK, Poland, Germany, Finland, Australia, Romania, Qatar, Oman, Korea, Greece, Switzerland, Portugal, Singapore, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Japan, Slovakia, Denmark, Canada, Belgium, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Norway, Spain, Kuwait, Sweden, Taiwan, Lithuania, Israel, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Turkey.
The work order is expected to be completed by May 30, 2030. The exact number of missiles Pakistan will receive is not clear.
AIM-120 AMRAAM Missile Capabilities
AIM-120 AMRAAM is an air-to-air missile with a range of 20 km to over 160 km depending on variant. It uses active radar homing and can guide itself after launch. The missile is supersonic, reaching speeds over Mach 4.It can carry high-explosive fragmentation warheads. Fighter jets like F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, F-35, and NATO aircraft can launch it. The AIM-120C8 is the export version of AIM-120D, the main variant used by the US.
The missile is compatible with Pakistan’s F-16 jets. Reports indicate it was used to shoot down an Indian MiG-21 flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in February 2019.
Pakistan’s Air Force Potential Upgrades
The contract raises speculation about upgrades to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 jets. Currently, PAF operates the C5 variant. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar visited the US State Department in July, which aligns with discussions about missile procurement.Relations between Pakistan and the US have shown improvement after the May conflict with India. President Donald Trump claimed a role in arranging the ceasefire. India maintains that the cessation of hostilities was agreed between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both militaries.
AMRAAM Integration with Other Fighter Jets
AMRAAM missiles are used in multiple fighter jets including F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, Eurofighter Typhoon, JAS-39 Gripen, Tornado, Harrier, and all F-35 variants. The missile is effective in air-to-air combat and surface-launch roles.NASAMS, a ground-based air defense system developed by Raytheon, uses the AMRAAM missile as a baseline weapon. This allows countries to operate the missile in both air and surface roles.