US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has warned that Pakistan’s long-range missile development could potentially pose a threat to the United States homeland.
Speaking at a Senate Intelligence hearing on global threats, Gabbard said the US intelligence community assesses that Pakistan may be working towards developing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching US territory.
She noted that several state actors are expanding their military capabilities across both kinetic and cyber warfare domains. According to her, countries including Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan are actively developing advanced missile delivery systems capable of carrying nuclear or conventional payloads.
“The intelligence community assesses that threats to the homeland will expand significantly, potentially exceeding 16,000 missiles by 2035, up from over 3,000 at present,” she said.
Gabbard further highlighted that China and Russia are developing advanced systems designed to bypass US missile defence mechanisms, while North Korea already possesses ICBMs capable of reaching US soil and continues to expand its nuclear arsenal.
She also stated that Iran has previously demonstrated technologies, such as space launch capabilities, that could be adapted to develop a viable ICBM before 2035 if pursued.
Describing the broader threat landscape, Gabbard emphasised that China and Russia remain the most persistent and active strategic threats, with continued investment in research and development.
She also pointed to North Korea’s growing cyber capabilities, noting that in 2025 alone, the country allegedly carried out cryptocurrency thefts worth around $2 billion, which intelligence agencies believe are being used to fund its weapons programmes.
The remarks underscore growing global concerns over the rapid expansion of missile capabilities and evolving security threats worldwide.
