The United States has approved a deal to sell powerful air-to-air missiles to Turkey. These missiles are called AMRAAMs, short for Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles. They are some of the most advanced weapons in the world, made to strike enemy aircraft from far away—even before pilots can see them.
This new deal of AMRAAM is worth $225 million and includes not just the missiles but also many other things like parts, containers, software, and support from engineers and contractors. The sale still needs approval from the US Congress, but once approved, Turkey will receive 53 of these AMRAAM missiles, along with extra equipment.
According to the US, this deal is meant to help Turkey defend itself and protect US forces in the region. As a NATO member, Turkey is seen as an important military ally. The US says giving these missiles to Turkey supports peace and stability in Europe.
The AMRAAM missile can be launched from many advanced fighter jets like the F-16, F-15, and the F-35. It can also be used in ground-based defence systems. These missiles are used by many countries and have been tested in thousands of real-life situations. They are smart, fast, and hard to avoid.
Why India Is Concerned
This missile sale might seem like just a regular business deal between two allied countries. But in India, this news has caused deep concern. Why? Because Turkey has become very close to Pakistan in recent years—not just politically, but also in military matters.
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Back in 2019, during a tense fight between India and Pakistan, Pakistani F-16 fighter jets fired AMRAAM missiles at Indian planes. That incident followed India’s air strike in Balakot, after a terrorist attack in Pulwama that killed many Indian soldiers. At that time, India showed proof to the US that Pakistan used these American-made AMRAAM missiles during the attack.
These missiles can only be used with certain fighter planes like the F-16, and Pakistan only has one such platform that can fire them. This made it clear where the weapons came from. That episode upset India, as American weapons given for defence were being used against it.
Now that Turkey, a country that is growing closer to Pakistan, is buying the same AMRAAM missiles, India fears a repeat of what happened in 2019. What if Turkey helps Pakistan again, or transfers weapons or technology to it? That’s a question many in India are asking.
Turkey has already sent drones to Pakistan. These drones were reportedly used in recent cross-border attempts by Pakistan, where Indian forces had to respond. Turkey also openly supports Pakistan on many issues, including Kashmir, a very sensitive subject for India.
After recent tensions, Turkey’s leaders have expressed sympathy with Pakistan and even criticized India’s actions. This has led to a growing sense in India that Turkey is not just a distant country, but one that could play a role in the regional challenges India faces.
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Turkey’s Ties With the US and Pakistan
Turkey has a long and complicated history with the United States. While the two countries are allies through NATO, their relationship has not always been smooth. For example, the US was not happy when Turkey bought missile systems from Russia. As a result, Turkey was removed from the US-led F-35 fighter jet program.
Still, the US continues to sell weapons to Turkey. Turkey’s military depends on a lot of American-made equipment. Its air force mostly flies US-built F-16 jets. Its army uses American tanks and helicopters. Its navy also has ships that were once used by the US.
At the same time, Turkey has become very close to Pakistan. It sends weapons, drones, and technical help. It even trains Pakistani soldiers and works with them on defence projects. When India takes action against terrorism coming from Pakistan, Turkey often speaks out in support of Pakistan.
Because of all this, many people in India feel that Turkey is not acting like a neutral country. Instead, it seems to be taking sides—and not India’s. So when the US sells advanced weapons like the AMRAAM missiles to Turkey, the fear is not just about Turkey’s own power. It’s about what Turkey might do with that power, especially in connection with Pakistan.
India’s government and military are watching the situation very closely. The memories of 2019 are still fresh, and the risks feel very real.