U.S. tightens sanctions over Pakistan's missile advancements
The United States fears Pakistan's long-range ballistic missiles, reports the Ukrainian portal Defense Express. In response, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Pakistani military institutions due to concerns about modern ammunition development that could pose a threat to America.
American officials have voiced worries about Pakistan's missile program, which they believe could eventually threaten the U.S. In response, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on several Pakistani military institutions involved in missile development.
Sanctions and their motives
The sanctions decision is controversial, primarily in the context of claims that Pakistan is advancing missile technology with longer ranges. As Defense Express notes, Deputy National Security Advisor John Finer stated in 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."
Furthermore, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on entities in Belarus and China, allegedly for supporting Pakistan's missile program. Concerns have been raised that Pakistan's Shaheen-III missile, with a range of 1,700 miles, could serve as a nuclear weapons carrier.
Development prospects
American experts believe that Pakistan may develop long-range missiles within a few years. To address this potential, the U.S. has attempted to engage in information exchange cooperation, yet Pakistan has declined these overtures.
Pakistan's missile technology heavily depends on Chinese solutions, adding complexity to the situation. The U.S. is troubled not only by potential Pakistani missile advancements but also by existing Chinese technology.
Defense Express also highlights that in January 2024, Pakistan announced possessing a hypersonic missile, leading to speculation about its actual existence.
It's also noteworthy that the Shaheen-II missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, has been operational in Pakistan since 2014. This missile weighs over 52,000 lbs and measures about 56 feet in length with a diameter of 4.6 feet. The warhead's mass for this missile is approximately 2,600 lbs.
