Pakistan's army is planning a major revamp of its helicopter fleet, including the purchase of new attack, scout and utility aircraft, to be funded primarily using aid from the US government. Bell Helicopter is poised to be the main benefactor of the fleet-renewal process, having sold AH-1 Cobras, UH-1 Hueys and 206B JetRangers to Pakistan before the imposition of a US arms ban that was lifted in 2001.
However, Sikorsky is also trying to break into the recently reopened market with its UH-60 Black Hawk utility and medical evacuation helicopter, and is expected to soon appoint a local agent to lead its sales campaign.
The overhaul will be made possible by the US government's promise of $1.5 billion in military aid over the next five years in return for Islamabad's continued military support along the Afghan border. The army's estimated $400 million share includes around $200 million for the lease of 26 Bell 412s, $100 million for 40 new Bell 407s, $60 million to acquire and refurbish 20 Cobras drawn from the US excess inventory and $30 million to refurbish Pakistan's 20 current Cobras. Afurther purchase of 10 Eurocopter AS350Ecureuils will be funded from Pakistan's national defence budget, with these to replace the army's Aerospatiale SA315B Lamas and SA316B Alouette IIIs. Industry sources expect contracts to be awarded within months.
The $1.5 billion will also fund a mid-life update to the air force's 32 Lockheed Martin F-16A/B fighters and the purchase of six additional used Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft for the navy (Flight International, 13-19 April).
Pakistan is expected to spend a further $1.5-2 billion on military modernisation over the next five years, with the bulk of this on Chinese equipment, such as Chengdu JF-17 fighter and K-8 trainer aircraft.
Source: Flight International
