The United States Embassy on Friday clarified that no new Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) would be supplied to Pakistan.
The statement came after reports claimed that the US was preparing to deliver these air-to-air missiles to Islamabad amid a recent improvement in diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Reports of New Missile Supply Spark Confusion
Earlier this week, several reports suggested that Pakistan was set to receive AIM-120 AMRAAMs under a new arms contract from the US. These reports cited a document issued by the US Department of War (DoW), formerly known as the Department of Defence, which listed Pakistan among 35 countries eligible to receive the missiles.
The document mentioned that the contract was awarded to Raytheon Company, based in Tucson, Arizona, for the AMRAAM C8 and D3 variants. It also noted that the deal was valued at $2.51 billion and included countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, India’s neighbours Qatar and Oman, and others. The order is expected to be completed by May 30, 2030.
US Embassy Issues Official Clarification
In response to the reports, the US Embassy and Consulates in India issued a clarification denying any new missile deliveries to Pakistan.
“On September 30, 2025, the Department of War released a list of standard contract announcements, which referred to an amendment to an existing Foreign Military Sales contract for sustainment and spares for several countries, including Pakistan,” the statement read.
The embassy further clarified, “No part of this referenced contract modification is for deliveries of new Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Pakistan. The sustainment does not include an upgrade to any of Pakistan’s current capabilities.”
Only Maintenance and Spare Parts Included
The clarification makes it clear that the contract only covers maintenance, sustainment, and spare parts for existing equipment — not the sale of new missiles.
This means Pakistan’s current air force capabilities remain unchanged.
The confusion arose after several media outlets misinterpreted the contract’s amendment notice as a new arms deal.
Background of the AMRAAM missile deal
The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a radar-guided air-to-air missile developed by Raytheon. It is one of the most advanced missiles of its kind, capable of engaging targets at long ranges with high precision. Pakistan has previously purchased these missiles for its F-16 fighter jets under earlier US defence programs.
However, Washington has kept strict control over future deliveries due to its concerns about regional stability and India’s security interests.
India is Closely Monitoring Developments
The clarification is likely to be welcomed in New Delhi, as any new missile sale to Pakistan could raise security concerns for India. Defence analysts say that the latest clarification helps maintain transparency and avoid misunderstandings at a sensitive time for South Asian geopolitics.
