ISAS Briefs

The New York Times report on 30 August 2009 on Pakistan’s illegal modification of “United States-supplied Harpoon missiles to expand its capability to strike land targets” has become a source of tension between the United States and Pakistan. While the Pakistanis have rejected this claim, it has raised concerns in Washington and New Delhi. This brief argues that the latest dispute could delay or even derail the United States’ legislation to provide aid to Pakistan. It concludes that, given the nature of mistrust between the two South Asian neighbours, Pakistan will continue to find ways and means to match India’s superiority in weaponry.