The United States has recently expanded its missile support to Pakistan, including a significant contract for AIM-120C-8 and D-3 AMRAAMs, with delivery expected by 2030, signifying a potential boost in Pakistan’s aerial capabilities. The US Department of Defense’s move, valued at over $41 million, is part of a broader $41.6 billion export deal approving advanced air-to-air missile sales to over thirty allied nations, including Pakistan, amid rising regional tensions. This deal is seen as a strategic move enhancing Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, allowing it to match India’s evolving air power, especially after India’s recent military operations such as Operation Sindoor in May 2025, which showcased its advanced missile capabilities like BrahMos and its integrated air defense system. India’s response to Pakistan’s growing missile arsenal emphasizes the need for continued modernization of its own defense posture, including indigenous missile development and strategic alliances, to maintain regional deterrence amid persistent tensions and recent conflicts in the region.