'How quickly diplomatic climate changes': Congress reacts to Pak's inclusion in US AIM-120 missile deal; takes shot at Centre
New Delhi: The inclusion of Pakistan in a recent US arms deal, involving the sale of AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), has triggered a sharp reaction from the Indian National Congress, with the party questioning the government's diplomatic strategies. The US decision to include Pakistan in the $41.6 billion deal, which aims to bolster allied air power, comes amid signs of improving relations between Washington and Islamabad.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the government, highlighting the swift changes in the diplomatic landscape. The deal, which includes the sale of AIM-120C-8 and AIM-120D-3 variants, has raised concerns in India, particularly in light of Pakistan's past use of US-supplied AMRAAMs against Indian jets during the 2019 Balakot confrontation. Fragments of these missiles were recovered within Indian territory, leading to allegations of a violation of the U.S. end-use monitoring agreements.
The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a widely deployed active radar-guided missile integrated on numerous aircraft types across more than 40 nations. Its "fire-and-forget" capability allows pilots to launch and disengage while the missile autonomously tracks and destroys targets using its active radar seeker. The AIM-120C-8, designed for export, boasts improved resistance to electronic countermeasures, refined guidance logic, and a longer range.
The US Department of War (DoW) issued a contract modification to Raytheon, the missile's manufacturer, for over $41.6 million, bringing the total contract value to over $2.51 billion. The deal is expected to be completed by May 2030. While the exact number of missiles Pakistan will receive remains undisclosed, the development suggests a potential upgrade of the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) F-16 fleet. The PAF currently operates the older C5 version of the AMRAAM, acquired in 2010 for its Block 52 F-16s.
The potential acquisition of advanced AIM-120C8 AMRAAM missiles significantly enhances the strike capabilities of Pakistan's air force, particularly its F-16 Block 52 fleet. The AIM-120C8, an export version of the US military's AIM-120D, features improved range, greater accuracy, and advanced electronic counter-countermeasures. It also includes two-way data links and GPS-assisted navigation for precise target tracking and engagement beyond visual range.
Some experts believe that the US decision to supply Pakistan with advanced missiles is a reaction to China's PL-15. The AIM-120C-8 has upgraded circuit cards and refined guidance logic, while the AIM-120D-3 features a two-way data-link and GPS-assisted navigation, with twice the range of the AIM-120C series.
The US-Pakistan deal has sparked debate among defense analysts. Some see it as a potential game-changer in regional air power. Others express concerns about the timing of the deal, given Pakistan's history of supporting terrorism.
The Congress party's criticism reflects broader concerns in India regarding the evolving US-Pakistan relationship and its potential impact on regional security. The party has accused the government of failing to capitalize on opportunities to reclaim Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK), further intensifying the political discourse. The deal also raises questions about the future of India's air superiority and the need to accelerate the acquisition of advanced missile systems.
