Washington, March 18 United States' intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard told lawmakers on Wednesday that Pakistan's development of long-range ballistic missiles could include missiles capable of targeting the US.
In a testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, also said that the threats to the US were expected to expand collectively from more than 3,000 missiles currently to more than 16,000 missiles by 2035.
"The US's secure nuclear deterrent continues to ensure safety in the Homeland against strategic threats. However, Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan have been researching and developing a range of novel, advanced, or traditional missile delivery systems with nuclear and conventional payloads that put our Homeland within range," Gabbard said.
She said that the US Intelligence Community assesses that threats to the Homeland will expand collectively to more than 16,000 missiles by 2035, from the current assessed figure of more than 3,000 missiles.
"The IC assesses that China and Russia are developing advanced delivery systems meant to be capable of penetrating or bypassing US missile defenses," Gabbard said.
The US top intelligence official said that North Korea's ICBMs can already reach US soil, and it is committed to expanding its nuclear arsenal.
"Pakistan's development of long-range ballistic missiles potentially could include ICBMs with the range capable of striking the Homeland," Gabbard said.
She said that Iran has previously demonstrated space launch and other technologies it could use to begin developing a militarily viable ICBM before 2035, should Tehran attempt to pursue the capability.
"However, these assessments will be updated as the full impact of Operation Epic Fury's devastating strikes on Iran's missile production facilities, stockpiles, and launch capabilities is determined," Gabbard said.