US Clarifies Pakistan Will Not Receive Advanced AMRAAM Missiles

The U.S. Department of War clarified on Friday that Pakistan will not receive AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) under a recent defence contract update, countering earlier media reports.

“The Administration would like to emphasize that contrary to false media reports, no part of this referenced contract modification is for deliveries of new Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Pakistan,” the department said.

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Background: The Defence Deal

Earlier this week, reports suggested that Pakistan was included in a list of countries cleared to receive AMRAAM missiles. The list also cited the United Kingdom, Poland, Germany, Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey as recipients under the modified contract.

U.S. officials clarified that the update pertains only to existing contracts and does not involve upgrades to Pakistan’s military capabilities. Work on the contract is scheduled to conclude by May 2030.

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Implications

The clarification removes concerns that Pakistan’s air combat capabilities would be enhanced with advanced U.S. missile systems. Experts note that the move aligns with Washington’s cautious approach to arms transfers in sensitive regions while fulfilling obligations under long-standing defence contracts.