Pakistan's long-delayed quest to acquire an enhanced maritime patrol and border surveillance capability has moved a step closer to reality, with the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announcing the possible sale of eight ex-US Navy P-3C Orion aircraft for almost $1 billion.
Announced on 16 November, the proposed foreign military sale would result in Pakistan boosting its current navy inventory of two P-3Cs with an additional eight aircraft, under an acquisition worth a potential $970 million.
The deal, which remains subject to final approval from US Congress, will also include the provision of T-56 engines, communications equipment, training, logistics support and spare parts. Lockheed Martin of Greenville, South Carolina has been named prime contractor for the deal.
In an unusually strongly worded notification, the DSCA says: "The command-and-control capabilities of these aircraft will improve Pakistan's ability to restrict the littoral movement of terrorists along Pakistan's southern border and ensure Pakistan's overall ability to maintain integrity of its borders."
The sale will also boost Islamabad's ability to support US forces during the "war on terrorism", it says.
In a further development, Pakistan's navy has awarded OGMA of Portugal a €5 million ($6.5 million) contract to conduct repairs to its two current P-3Cs. The work will be conducted at Pakistan's Mehran naval base in Karachi by local technicians.
CRAIG HOYLE / LONDON
Source: Flight International
