U.S. Approves AIM-120C-8 Missile Sale to Pakistan, India Bolsters Defences
The U.S. has approved the sale of AIM-120C-8 missiles to Pakistan, significantly boosting the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) capabilities. This move has sparked a response from India, which is bolstering its own defences. The AIM-120C-8, with its 160-kilometer range and high speed, poses a significant threat, but India is countering it with a multi-pronged strategy.
The AIM-120C-8, an Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), is a game-changer for the PAF. It can reach speeds of Mach 4 and carries a 23-kilogram warhead. Its mid-course guidance keeps it on target even during intense dogfights, as proven in over 13 combat engagements. The U.S. approval of these missiles signals a shift in its policy towards Pakistan.
India, however, is not taking this threat lightly. It is fast-tracking the integration of the Astra Mk-2/Mk-3, which is expected to extend its beyond-visual-range capability beyond 160 kilometers by 2026. Additionally, India is deploying the Meteor missile, enhancing electronic countermeasures, and increasing its aircraft numbers and standoff strike capabilities. The Indian Air Force (IAF) also relies on the BrahMos missile, which has a range of 290-500 kilometers and can strike airbases and ships. This layered strategy aims to neutralize the C-8 threat and maintain missile parity.
The introduction of the AIM-120C-8 into the PAF's arsenal has raised the stakes in the region. India's response, with its focus on missile parity, electronic countermeasures, and enhanced capabilities, shows its determination to maintain a balance of power. As both nations continue to upgrade their military capabilities, the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in managing these developments cannot be overstated.
