United States–Pakistan Military Partnership

The U.S.–Pakistan military relationship has swung from Cold War ally to post-9/11 counterterrorism partner to strategic uncertainty. Once a key recipient of U.S. military aid, Islamabad’s ties to China and support for the Taliban in Afghanistan have strained relations. However, Pakistan remains a critical player in regional security, particularly in counterterrorism operations, nuclear stability, and balancing India’s rise. While military cooperation continues in select areas like arms sales and intelligence-sharing, the alliance remains fragile and deeply transactional.

History and Strategic Context

Early Alliance and Cold War Cooperation (1950s–1970s): Pakistan became a key U.S. ally during the Cold War, joining SEATO (1954) and CENTO (1955) to counter Soviet influence. The U.S. provided military aid and supported Pakistan during conflicts with India.
U.S. Role in the Soviet-Afghan War (1980s): Pakistan became a frontline state in the U.S.-backed Mujahideen resistance against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, receiving billions in military aid and advanced weapons.
Sanctions and Nuclear Tensions (1990s): Relations soured after the U.S. imposed sanctions on Pakistan following its nuclear weapons development and tests in 1998.
Post-9/11 Counterterrorism Partnership (2001–2015): Pakistan became a key U.S. ally in the War on Terror, assisting U.S. forces in Afghanistan and receiving over $20 billion in security aid. However, tensions grew over allegations that Pakistan provided safe havens for Taliban and Haqqani network fighters.
Shifting Dynamics (2016–Present): The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan (2021) and Pakistan’s growing ties with China have strained relations. However, military ties remain active through counterterrorism coordination and regional stability efforts.

Key Defense Agreements and Initiatives

Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) Status (2004): Grants Pakistan access to U.S. military financing, arms sales, and counterterrorism assistance.
Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and Military Sales: Pakistan has received F-16 fighter jets, attack helicopters, and precision-strike systems from the U.S. The U.S. approved a $450 million F-16 sustainment package in 2022 to maintain Pakistan’s air force capabilities.
Counterterrorism and Intelligence Cooperation: U.S. and Pakistan collaborate on counterinsurgency and intelligence-sharing targeting ISIS-K, Al-Qaeda, and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Drone operations and joint special operations have been used to eliminate high-value terrorist targets.
Maritime and Regional Security: Pakistan participates in U.S.-led naval exercises, including RIMPAC and AMAN, focusing on Indian Ocean security. The U.S. and Pakistan cooperate on nuclear security and counterproliferation efforts.

Key Military Installations and Areas of Cooperation

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 Fleet: Maintained with U.S. technical support, enhancing Pakistan’s air superiority and counterterrorism operations.
Naval Cooperation in the Arabian Sea: Pakistan works with the U.S. Fifth Fleet to combat piracy, smuggling, and maritime threats.
U.S. Training and Military Education: Pakistani officers receive training in the U.S. Army War College, Naval War College, and Air Command programs.

Strategic Significance

Counterterrorism and Regional Stability: Pakistan remains a critical player in South Asian security, particularly regarding Afghanistan and nuclear deterrence.
Complicated U.S.-India-Pakistan Dynamics: While the U.S. strengthens ties with India, it maintains military cooperation with Pakistan to balance regional security concerns.
Pakistan’s Growing Ties with China: U.S. concerns over Pakistan’s China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and growing Chinese military cooperation complicate the relationship.
U.S. Leverage in South Asia: The U.S. continues to engage Pakistan to prevent nuclear proliferation and manage security risks in Afghanistan.

Links

U.S.-Pakistan Defense Cooperation Overview
Pakistan’s MNNA Status
U.S.-Pakistan F-16 Program