image sourced from original article at The United States Director of National Intelligence’s 2026 Annual Threat Assessment identified Pakistan alongside Russia, China, North Korea and Iran as countries developing missile systems that could potentially threaten the American homeland. The report noted that Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile efforts could eventually include intercontinental systems capable of reaching the United States.
Pakistan rejected the assessment and redirected attention toward India, claiming New Delhi is developing a missile with a range exceeding 12,000 kilometres. It pointed to India’s Agni-V, the Agni-VI under development, and the K-5 submarine-launched ballistic missile, arguing that these systems could allow India to strike targets far beyond South Asia, including parts of Europe and the Pacific.
Analysts say Pakistan’s response reflects an effort to deflect scrutiny from its own missile programme, particularly after recent American sanctions targeting entities linked to its long-range missile development. While India has not publicly responded, the exchange highlights rising strategic tensions and competing narratives over missile capabilities in South Asia.
