US approves advanced AMRAAM missile sale to Pakistan amid warming ties post-Trump-Munir meet

The United States has approved the sale of advanced AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles to Pakistan, marking a significant thaw in defence relations after years of restrictions, as notified in a $41.6 million contract modification to Raytheon on 30 September 2025.

The deal, part of a broader $2.51 billion production agreement for C-8 and D-3 variants, includes Pakistan among 30+ buyers like the UK and Japan, with deliveries slated by May 2030.

Coming weeks after a high-level meeting between President Donald Trump and Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, the move bolsters the Pakistan Air Force's F-16 fleet, infamous for downing an Indian MiG-21 in 2019.

Indian opposition leaders, including Congress's Jairam Ramesh, slammed it as evidence of rapidly shifting US diplomacy, urging a reassessment of ties. Analysts view it as pragmatic Pentagon business rather than a direct signal to India, amid Pakistan's counter-terror needs.

Contract details and missile capabilities

The modification, awarded to Raytheon in Tucson, Arizona, funds production of the enhanced AMRAAM variants for foreign military sales, with Pakistan's inclusion elevating the total to over $2.5 billion. 

The AIM-120D-3, the latest export-approved model, features beyond-visual-range engagement up to 180 km, active radar homing and mid-flight updates for precision in all weather.

Compatible solely with F-16s, it upgrades Pakistan's ageing AIM-120C-5 stock from 2010, bridging gaps against regional threats like India's Rafale with Meteor missiles.

Pakistan's 2007 purchase of 700 AMRAAMs was its largest single missile buy, but sanctions post-Osama bin Laden raid halted upgrades until recent diplomacy.

The deal, overseen by the US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, ensures interoperability with NATO allies while mandating end-use monitoring to prevent misuse.

On X, defence enthusiasts shared specs, one post noting: "AMRAAM D-3: 180km punch for PAF F-16s—India's MiG-21 ghosts still haunt."

Trump-Munir meet, warming US-Pak ties

The approval follows a pivotal July 2025 White House meeting between Trump and Munir, where the US president praised Pakistan's "cooperation" on counter-terrorism and Afghanistan stability. 

Trump, seeking leverage in South Asia amid China concerns, lifted a partial arms embargo imposed after 2018, paving the way for F-16 sustainment packages.

Pakistan Air Chief Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu's Washington visit in July sealed discussions on missile upgrades, with Islamabad lobbying to counterbalance India's arsenal.

US officials framed it as routine Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to maintain regional balance, not a pivot against India.

Yet, the timing—post-May 2025 India-Pakistan skirmish—raises eyebrows, with Pakistan crediting Trump for ceasefire mediation.

On X, a user quipped: "Trump-Munir bromance: AMRAAMs as 'peace gifts'—India watches."

Opposition criticism

Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh tweeted: "How quickly the diplomatic climate changes—from zenith in 2024 to this arms sale in 2025." He urged India to reassess US ties, linking it to stalled Javelin deals and IMF bailout conditions for Pakistan.

Former diplomat Kanwal Sibal echoed: "IMF programme shouldn't fund arms against India—Trump's wooing expected, but Raytheon must choose."

The BJP downplayed it as "standard business," citing US-India iCET pacts outweighing the sale.

On X, Indian users vented: "AMRAAM to Pak—MiG-21 killer reloaded. US playing both sides?"

Defence analysts like those at Firstpost noted minimal threat, given India's S-400 and BrahMos superiority.

Strategic implications

The sale enhances Pakistan's deterrence but risks escalation along the LoC, where F-16s with AMRAAMs could tilt air superiority.

For the US, it's a hedge against China's J-10C exports to Pakistan, maintaining influence via FMS strings.

India may accelerate Tejas Mk-2 integrations with Astra missiles in response.

As deliveries loom by 2030, the deal tests the US's balancing act in South Asia, with Trump prioritising counter-terror over non-proliferation.