Pakistan is reportedly working on a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that could potentially strike the United States, according to a report published by Foreign Affairs in Washington.
If confirmed, such a development would mark a major shift in Islamabad’s defence posture and could lead the US to classify Pakistan as a nuclear adversary, joining the ranks of Russia, China, and North Korea, the report said.
The report follows speculation that Pakistan, with support from China, is seeking to upgrade its nuclear arsenal after India launched Operation Sindoor last month.
ICBMs, which can carry either nuclear or conventional warheads, have a range exceeding 5,500km.
While Pakistan currently lacks ICBM capability, it has tested medium-range missiles like the Shaheen-III, which has a range of over 2,700km and can reach key Indian cities.
Historically, Pakistan has maintained that its nuclear programme is aimed at deterring India and is limited to short- and medium-range missile development. However, the report suggests Islamabad may now be pursuing long-range capabilities as a strategic deterrent—possibly to ward off any potential US preemptive strike on its nuclear assets, particularly after Washington’s actions in Iran.
Another possible motivation could be to dissuade the US from intervening militarily on India’s side in the event of renewed hostilities between the two neighbours, as per the report.
