U.S. sanctions target Pakistani missile program amid rising fears
The United States fears Pakistan's long-range ballistic missiles, reports the Ukrainian portal Defense Express. In response, the United States has imposed sanctions on Pakistani military institutions, fearing the development of modern ammunition that could threaten America.
American officials have expressed concerns about Pakistan's missile program, which could pose a future threat to the United States. In response to these concerns, the United States has imposed sanctions on several Pakistani military institutions involved in missile development.
Sanctions and their motives
The decision on the sanctions is controversial, especially given claims that Pakistan is developing missile technology with an increasingly longer range. As Defense Express notes, Deputy National Security Advisor John Finer stated during a speech on December 19, 2024 that "Pakistan has developed increasingly sophisticated missile technology," and furthermore "If these trend lines continue, Pakistan will have the capability to strike targets well beyond South Asia, including in the United States."
Additionally, the United States has imposed sanctions on entities from Belarus and China, allegedly supporting Pakistan's missile program. There are concerns that the Pakistani Shaheen-III missile, with a range of 2,700 kilometres, could carry nuclear weapons.
Development prospects
American experts assess that within a few years, Pakistan may develop long-range missiles. To address this, the United States has attempted to engage in information exchange cooperation, but Pakistan has refused these attempts.
Pakistan's missile technology relies heavily on Chinese solutions, further complicating the situation. The United States is concerned not only about potential Pakistani missiles but also existing Chinese technology.
Defense Express also recalls that in January 2024, Pakistan announced the possession of a hypersonic missile, sparking speculation about its actual existence.
It is worth noting that the Shaheen-II missile, which can carry a nuclear warhead, has been in service in Pakistan since 2014. This missile weighs over 23,600 kilograms and is about 17 metres long with a diameter of 1.4 metres. The combat warhead's mass in this ammunition is approximately 1,200 kilograms.
