Is Pakistan's Missile Program a New Threat to the US? Insights from Tulsi Gabbard

Concerns Over Pakistan's Missile Advancements

Washington: Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of US National Intelligence, expressed concerns on Wednesday regarding Pakistan's missile development, suggesting it could eventually pose a threat to the United States. This warning is part of a broader assessment of global threats to American security.

During the presentation of the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment, Gabbard highlighted that both China and Russia are advancing their missile delivery systems, which could potentially evade US defenses. She noted that North Korea already possesses intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the US and is actively expanding its nuclear capabilities.

Gabbard pointed out that Pakistan's advancements in long-range ballistic missiles could lead to the development of ICBMs, which would be a significant concern for US security strategists.

"The intelligence community believes that China and Russia are working on sophisticated delivery systems designed to penetrate US missile defenses. North Korea's ICBMs are already a reality, and they are committed to increasing their nuclear stockpile," she stated.

She further informed the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence that Pakistan's missile development could soon include ICBMs with the potential to target the US homeland.

Her comprehensive 34-page report echoed these concerns, stating, "Pakistan is enhancing its missile technology, enabling its military to create systems capable of reaching targets beyond South Asia. If this trend continues, it could lead to ICBMs that threaten the US."

The report also indicated that South Asia remains a persistent source of security challenges for the US, particularly due to the fraught relationship between India and Pakistan, which raises the risk of nuclear conflict.

The assessment referenced a terrorist attack last year near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, illustrating how such incidents could escalate tensions. It noted that while President Trump helped de-escalate recent nuclear tensions, the potential for terrorist actions to ignite crises remains.

Gabbard reassured lawmakers that the US's nuclear deterrent continues to protect the homeland against strategic threats. However, she warned that countries like Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan are developing a range of advanced missile systems that could target the US.

"The intelligence community anticipates that the number of threats to the homeland will increase to over 16,000 missiles by 2035, up from the current estimate of more than 3,000," she added.

The report also discussed the strained relations between Pakistan and the Taliban, marked by sporadic cross-border skirmishes. Islamabad has expressed frustration over the presence of anti-Pakistan terrorist groups in Afghanistan, which has led to rising violence within Pakistan.

On February 26, the Afghan Taliban launched attacks on Pakistani military positions, claiming it was in retaliation for previous airstrikes by Pakistan. In response, Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Afghan border provinces and even targeted Kabul, marking a significant escalation.

The report concluded with a warning from Pakistan's army chief, emphasizing that lasting peace hinges on the Taliban cutting ties with militants targeting Pakistan. While the Taliban has publicly called for dialogue, it has denied harboring anti-Pakistani militants.