Pakistans Missile Program: A Growing Threat to the U.S., Warns U.S. Intelligence Report

Washington, March 18: The Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, warned on Wednesday that Pakistan’s advancing missile program could potentially target the United States. She identified it as part of a broader group of escalating global threats to American soil.

In her presentation of the 2026 Annual Threat Report, Gabbard noted that China and Russia are developing advanced delivery systems capable of overcoming U.S. missile defense mechanisms. Meanwhile, North Korea already possesses intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that can reach the U.S. and is actively expanding its nuclear arsenal.

Gabbard stated that Pakistan’s development of long-range ballistic missiles could eventually evolve into intercontinental systems capable of targeting the U.S., categorizing this as an emerging strategic threat for American security planners.

She informed members of the Senate Intelligence Select Committee, “The intelligence community assesses that China and Russia are developing advanced delivery systems that could bypass or neutralize U.S. missile defenses. North Korea’s ICBMs can already reach American soil, and it is committed to expanding its nuclear arsenal.”

Gabbard further highlighted the potential inclusion of ICBMs in Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile development, which could have the capability to strike U.S. territory.

Her 34-page report on the ‘Global Threat Assessment’ echoed similar evaluations. The report stated, “Pakistan is continuously developing more advanced missile technology, which enables its military to target beyond South Asia. If these trends continue, they could pose a threat to the United States.”

According to the report, South Asia has remained a persistent source of challenges to U.S. security over the past year. The risk of nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan persists, as both nuclear nations have faced numerous confrontations in the past, raising the stakes of an escalating crisis.

The report noted, “Last year’s terrorist attack near Pahalgam demonstrated that terrorist actions can escalate conflicts. Recent interventions by President Trump have reduced nuclear tensions, and our assessment is that no country wishes to return to open conflict. However, conditions exist that could allow terrorists to reignite crises.”

Gabbard informed lawmakers that the U.S. secure nuclear deterrent system ensures protection against strategic threats to homeland security. However, Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan are developing various advanced or conventional missile delivery systems, including nuclear and conventional weapons, that could target the U.S.

She added, “The intelligence community estimates that by 2035, threats to the U.S. will rise to over 16,000 missiles, compared to the current figure of over 3,000.”

The report also highlighted the strained relations between Pakistan and the Taliban, with periodic cross-border skirmishes. Islamabad is troubled by terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan, and incidents of terrorist violence are on the rise.

On February 26, the Afghan Taliban attacked military bases near the Pakistan border, claiming it was in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes. Pakistan responded by bombing Afghan provinces and the capital, Kabul, marking the first time it has conducted airstrikes on Afghan cities. The fighting has continued since then.

The report stated, “Pakistan’s army chief warned this month that for lasting peace, the Taliban must sever ties with terrorists targeting Pakistan. While the Taliban publicly advocates dialogue, it has not acknowledged harboring anti-Pakistan terrorists.”

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