AIM-120D missiles
On July 2, 2025, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu arrived in Washington, D.C., marking a watershed in Pakistan-US defense relations. This visit, the first by a sitting Pakistan Air Force chief in over a decade, tries to repair strategic ties frayed by previous mistrust.
High-Level Meetings with US Leaders
Sidhu spoke with key officials from the Pentagon, State Department, and Capitol Hill. These meetings focused on restoring defense cooperation. Reports confirm that officials actively discussed joint training during the recent meetings.
Furthermore, they explored opportunities to exchange advanced defense technologies. Both parties also took into account the possibility of future sales of sophisticated weaponry.
Pakistan Considers AIM-120D Air-to-Air Missiles.
Pakistan is attempting to purchase the AIM-120D missile for its F-16 Block 52 aircraft. This system offers a range exceeding 180 km and includes advanced electronic countermeasures.
Moreover, it provides secure, two-way data link capabilities for improved battlefield communication. The upgrade would replace older AIM-120C-5 models purchased in 2006, whose restricted range and obsolete technology proved useless in recent skirmishes.
Operation Sindoor: A Wake-Up Call for the PAF.
After the April 2025 Pahalgam incident, India started Operation Sindoor. India targeted eleven Pakistani Air Force bases with pinpoint strikes. These assaults highlighted flaws in Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied HQ-9B and HQ-16 systems.
As a result, Pakistan now prioritizes acquiring Western technologies to address its military capability gaps.
Therefore, it actively engages with its Western defense partners.
F-16 Fleet Modernisation Plan
Pakistan operates around 76 F-16s, including Block 52s and older A/B versions updated with MLU kits. The Block 52s are critical to the PAF’s deterrence policy. They are equipped with AN/APG-68(V)9 radars and digital cockpits, and they require modern armaments like the AIM-120D to compete.
Current Arsenal Lags Behind India’s Meteor Missiles
Meteor missiles, used by India’s Rafale jets, outperform Pakistan’s AIM-120C-5 and Chinese PL-15E missiles. The PL-15E’s 145-kilometre range and absence of a ramjet engine put it at a significant disadvantage.
Meteor missiles, with a range of over 200 km and a large no-escape zone, dominate BVR warfare. Still during Operation Sindoor, the PAF jammed Indian Rafale and ground-based radars, which hindered the IAF from launching any of their Meteor missiles.
Recent conflict reveals a technological gap.
During Operation Sindoor, Indian jets reportedly flew past Pakistan’s air defenses with ease. However, reports of the downing of five Indian aircraft, including Rafales, remain unsubstantiated.
Meanwhile, notably, the PL-15E failed to match India’s electronic warfare capabilities. These inadequacies have made it necessary to install upgrades.
AIM-120D Sale Hits Obstacles in Washington.
While Pakistan requests the AIM-120D, the U.S. ties approval to resolving key bilateral challenges. Washington worries about Pakistan’s growing defense ties with China, especially the J35 stealth jet deal.
These concerns include potential leaks of sensitive American technology to Chinese partners. In 2006, the U.S. enforced strict end-use monitoring in its F-16 deal with Pakistan. Therefore, it will likely demand similar oversight for any future missile transfers.
Over the years, tensions have strained US-Pakistan defense ties.
US-Pakistan relations began declining after the 2011 Abbottabad raid exposed deep mistrust. Following that, Washington cut aid, imposed technology restrictions, and blocked F-16 sales.
In 2018, the US completely halted its defense assistance for Pakistan. However, in January 2025, the US approved a $397 million F-16 sustainment package for Pakistan. Even so, there is still a great deal of mistrust between the two countries.
Congressional approval is a major barrier.
Any missile sale in the United States must undergo legislative inspection. Lawmakers remain wary of Pakistan’s counterterrorism record and nuclear program. India has repeatedly lobbied against arms shipments, claiming that F-16s may be employed in conventional warfare.
JF-17 Factor and Budget Constraints
Pakistan’s budget constraints make Chinese systems like the JF-17 appealing. However, the JF-17 lacks the F-16’s adaptability and combat experience. The PL-12 missile onboard JF-17s also fails in BVR engagements.
China’s Role Complicates US Decisions.
China’s growing military cooperation with Pakistan remains a source of contention. Washington is concerned that supplying advanced equipment could indirectly benefit Beijing. Any AIM-120D sale would require strong measures to avoid reverse engineering or illegal access.
F-16s: A Proven Asset in Pakistani History.
Pakistan’s F-16s shot down many Afghan jets in the 1980s and performed important roles in Operation Swift Retort in 2019. The jets have proven themselves reliable in numerous battles.
However, export restrictions significantly reduce the missiles’ performance in modern combat scenarios. Operators thus have difficulty utilizing their advanced capabilities to the fullest extent possible.
Strategic Timing of Sidhu’s Visit
The timing of Sidhu’s visit, weeks after the most recent violence, is not coincidental. It indicates a purposeful adjustment in defensive tactics. Pakistan’s pursuit of US weaponry attempts to offset Indian advantages and re-establish aerial deterrence.
Perspectives on Future Defence Cooperation
Although progress remains slow, both sides are now building a framework to restart cooperation. Therefore, the United States may gain a strategic edge by engaging Pakistan against China.
However, it will still prioritize Pakistan’s transparency, consistent compliance, and long-term reliability before making firm decisions.
Conclusion: A turning point or a temporary thaw?
Sidhu’s visit to Washington has the potential to be pivotal. However, Pakistan navigates a complicated and uncertain path to acquire AIM-120D missiles. Consequently, diplomatic and technical hurdles continue to delay progress.
Still, it continues lobbying to secure approval from Washington. The outcome will impact South Asia’s aerial balance and test the strength of US-Pakistani defense ties at this uncertain geopolitical moment.
References
- Defense News Today – Pakistan Seeks AIM-120D Missiles
defensenewstoday.info/aim-120d - Pakistan Defence Forum (Facebook) – F-16 Upgrade Discussions
facebook.com/groups/pakistandefenseforum - Raytheon Missiles & Defense – AIM-120 AMRAAM Overview
raytheon.com/aim-120 - U.S. State Department – Foreign Military Sales Process
state.gov/fms - Congressional Research Service – U.S.-Pakistan Military Relations
crsreports.congress.gov/pakistan - The Diplomat – India’s Rafale and Meteor Advantage
thediplomat.com/rafale - Jane’s Defence – Pakistan F-16 Sustainment Package Details
janes.com/f-16 - Defense News Today – PAF F-16 Block 70/72 Kit Approval
defensenewstoday.info/f16-block70
