Pakistan to replace American AMRAAMs and AIM-9 missiles with Turkish Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan missiles to upgrade F-16 firepower
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is preparing to replace its U.S.-made AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles with Turkish-developed alternatives for its F-16 Block-15/30 MLU fleet. This move comes as a direct response to delays in securing U.S. approvals for new arms deals, which have been further complicated by geopolitical tensions and historical defense challenges.
To fill the gap left by U.S. restrictions, the PAF is turning to Turkey's domestically produced air-to-air missile systems. The Turkish Peregrine (Gökdoğan), a Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), and Merlin (Bozdoğan), a Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (SRAAM), will replace the older American systems on Pakistan’s F-16s. Developed by Turkey's Scientific and Technological Research Council (TÜBİTAK-SAGE), these missiles are fully compatible with NATO-standard platforms like the F-16, making them an ideal fit for Pakistan's current fleet.
The Gökdoğan missile, designed for long-range engagements, features advanced radar guidance and a dual-pulse rocket motor, enabling it to strike enemy aircraft with precision at extended ranges. Meanwhile, the Bozdoğan is a heat-seeking, short-range missile with exceptional agility, making it highly effective in close combat or dogfight scenarios. Together, these missiles will replace the aging AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder systems, providing the PAF with a significant boost in firepower.
Pakistan's F-16 Block-15 fleet, comprising approximately 57 aircraft, has faced obstacles in acquiring advanced armaments due to restrictions imposed by the United States. The PAF's use of AMRAAMs during the 2019 Balakot incident against India reportedly heightened concerns in Washington over the potential misuse of American-supplied weaponry. These missiles were initially provided under U.S. aid packages for counter-terrorism and border security missions during the Afghanistan conflict. Their deployment in conventional combat has strained U.S.-Pakistan defense relations, leading to further delays in approvals for additional weapons systems.
In addition to the political challenges, upgrading Pakistan's aging F-16 Block-15 fleet to support modern U.S.-made missile systems presents technical and financial hurdles. As a result, the integration of Turkish air-to-air missiles into the F-16s offers Pakistan an efficient and reliable alternative to meet its operational needs.
The decision to adopt Turkish-made Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan missiles highlights the strengthening defense partnership between Turkey and Pakistan. The two nations have a longstanding history of military collaboration across various sectors. For Turkey, this deal underscores the success of its growing indigenous defense industry on a global scale. For Pakistan, it ensures continued access to advanced weapon systems, circumventing geopolitical challenges posed by Western suppliers.
The integration of these advanced Turkish missiles marks a significant step forward for Pakistan's air combat capabilities. By replacing the older American AMRAAMs and Sidewinders, the PAF is positioning itself to maintain operational superiority, even as it navigates complex defense dynamics in the region.
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