US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard has warned that Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile work could lead to systems able to reach the American homeland. She made the statement during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on March 18, 2026, while presenting the latest Annual Threat Assessment.
Washington: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told lawmakers that Pakistan is among several countries developing missile systems that might one day put the United States in range. She grouped Pakistan with Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran in the assessment of growing risks.
In her testimony and the written report, Gabbard said the US intelligence community sees Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile efforts as potentially including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of striking the homeland. She noted that missile threats overall are set to rise sharply, from more than 3,000 now to over 16,000 by 2035.
The assessment points out that these countries are building or advancing delivery systems for both nuclear and conventional warheads. For Pakistan, the focus is on possible future ICBM development, though current known missiles like the Shaheen-III have ranges under 2,800 km, aimed mainly at regional targets.
South Asia remains a key concern in the report. It highlights risks of tensions between Pakistan and India, along with militant activity and border issues with Afghanistan that add to instability.
Washington-based analyst Shuja Nawaz called the mention of Pakistan a continuation of past US concerns. He pointed out that Pakistan’s program has long focused on deterring India, with no clear need to target the US or areas beyond South Asia. Such statements, he said, could hurt efforts to build better ties between Islamabad and Washington.
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Scholar Michael Kugelman noted the comment carries weight but should not be overstated. Pakistan appeared in a list with other nations in a general review of threats, not as a standalone focus.
The hearing also covered other topics, including the recent US strikes on Iran and their impact on Tehran’s capabilities. Gabbard said Iran’s system has taken hits but still presents risks to US and allied interests in the Middle East.
