US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard sounded the alarm on Pakistan’s ballistic missile ambitions Thursday, cautioning lawmakers that they could soon pose a direct threat to the American homeland. During her testimony before the House Intelligence Committee on the 2026 Threat Assessment, she revealed Pakistan’s push toward ICBM-range weapons.
‘Their program has the potential to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles that could reach the continental United States,’ Gabbard warned. This development places Pakistan in the company of major powers like Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, all racing to upgrade their arsenals with nuclear and conventional payloads.
Global missile numbers are exploding, with projections estimating a jump from 3,000 to more than 16,000 by 2035, according to agency analyses. North Korea leads with operational ICBMs targeting the US, and Pakistan appears poised to join that perilous club.
Gabbard detailed how adversaries are crafting hypersonic glide vehicles and maneuverable warheads to bypass US missile defenses. America’s nuclear triad remains a cornerstone of security, but emerging technologies demand adaptive strategies. Cyber vulnerabilities and AI integration further complicate the landscape, turning missiles into multifaceted weapons.
Historically, Pakistan’s missile efforts stem from tensions with India, where both sides maintain short- and medium-range nuclear delivery systems. This South Asian standoff risks spillover effects worldwide.
Lawmakers absorbed the briefing with grave concern, prompting discussions on bolstering homeland security, advancing counter-missile tech, and pursuing arms control dialogues. Gabbard’s forthright assessment underscores a pivotal moment: the US must fortify its position against a backdrop of unrelenting proliferation.