Virginia/Islamabad – The United States has authorised the export of advanced Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM variants, the C-8 and D-3, to Pakistan, signalling a renewed phase of defence cooperation between Washington and Islamabad.

The US Department of War has awarded Raytheon a $2.5 billion contract for the production of next-generation AIM-120 missiles through 2030. Pakistan and Türkiye are listed among more than 30 partner nations set to receive the AIM-120C-8 variant, a model offering extended range, enhanced precision, and stronger resistance to electronic countermeasures.

Part of a $41.6 billion global package, the approval includes several key US allies such as Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Israel, South Korea, and Australia, along with other North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Indo-Pacific partners.

Following years of limited engagement, the move reflects an improvement in US-Pakistan defence cooperation. The acquisition is expected to bolster Pakistan’s air combat capabilities and support ongoing efforts to modernise its fighter fleet. The advanced AMRAAMs will integrate with the Pakistan Air Force’s F-16s and may also be adapted for use on the JF-17 Block III.

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The approval further enhances Pakistan’s deterrence posture and aligns its systems more closely with advanced Western standards. Production will take place at Raytheon’s Tucson, Arizona facility, with deliveries expected before 2030.