Maj Gen G.D. Bakshi Warns of Strategic Shift as US Supplies Missiles to Pakistan

By A Staff Reporter

Gurugram, Haryana: Commenting on reports that Pakistan is set to receive advanced AIM-120 air-to-air missiles from the United States, Major General (Dr) G.D. Bakshi (Retd.) said the move could indicate a change in Washington’s regional approach and warrants careful attention from India.

“Pakistan’s F-16 fighter fleet already has some AIM-120 C beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles, which they used during the 2019 clash with our MiG-21, when Wing Commander Abhinandan was awarded the Vir Chakra,” Bakshi said. He noted that at that time, India lacked effective BVR systems and relied on close-range combat tactics.

“Now, however, we have advanced BVR capabilities, along with Akash 1, Akash 2, and the upcoming Akash 3 system, which will have a range of 300–400 km,” he explained. “This gives us a significant edge in modern air combat, where detection and targeting can occur before visual contact.”