America and Pakistan are coming closer after Operation Sindoor. A new evidence of this has emerged from the missile defense deal between the two countries. Pakistan is likely to get AIM-120 Advanced Middle Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) from America. According to the report of Express Tribune, Pakistan’s name is also included among the buyers of AIM-120 AMRAAM in the arms agreement recently notified by the US War Ministry (DoW).
According to PTI report, the notification states, “This agreement includes Britain, Poland, Pakistan, Germany, Finland, Australia, Romania, Qatar, Oman, Korea, Greece, Switzerland, Portugal, Singapore, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Japan, Slovakia, Denmark, Canada, Belgium, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Norway, Foreign military sales include Spain, Kuwait, Finland, Sweden, Taiwan, Lithuania, Israel, Bulgaria, Hungary and Turkey. Although it is not clear how many new AMRAAM missiles will be given to Pakistan, but with the coming of this news, there is talk of advance in the F-16 fleet of Pakistani Air Force.
Deal discussed after Trump Shahbaz and Asim meeting
This deal has come a few days after the meeting of US President Donald Trump, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir. During the meeting, Trump had said that he had played a role in reducing the growing tension between India and Pakistan. Defense experts believe that this contract indicates a new strategic closeness between Pakistan and America. America can try to balance the influence of China and Russia through this deal.
Speculation regarding upgrade of F-16 fighter jets
After this missile deal, it is being speculated that Pakistan can upgrade its F-16 fighter jet fleet. According to the Express Tribune report, AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles can be used with F-16 aircraft. During the air clash between India and Pakistan in February 2019, Pakistan had used this missile on Indian aircraft. Now this deal is being considered as another big step towards increasing the capability of F-16 aircraft.
Technical capabilities of AIM-120C8 missile
AIM-120C8 is a new version of America’s AIM-120D missile. It is a medium-range air-to-air missile, manufactured by Raytheon (now RTX Corporation).
The major features of this missile are as follows:
- Range: 160 to 180 kilometers, depending on launch platform.
- Speed: Mach 4 i.e. almost four times faster than the speed of sound.
- Guidance: Active radar homing system, which helps in precise target engagement.
- Capability: Can target multiple air targets simultaneously.
This missile is useful in aircraft like F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, Eurofighter Typhoon, Gripen, Tornado and F-35. Apart from this, it is also used in ground air defense systems like NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System), which has been adopted by America, Norway, Poland and Ukraine.
What does this deal mean for India?
This possible deal is strategically important for India. Pakistan’s air power will improve with AIM-120 missiles and F-16 upgrades. Although India already has advanced fighters like Rafale and Sukhoi-30MKI, which use Meteor missiles, the possible Pakistan-US missile deal could create new tension in the regional balance of power.
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