The Hindu : U.S. to sell aircraft, equipment to Pak.

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jul 18, 2002

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International

U.S. to sell aircraft, equipment to Pak.

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

Washington JULY 17. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Pakistan of

C-130E Cargo aircraft and associated equipment and services for a total value of $75 million. The proposed sale of the equipment and support "will not affect the basic military balance in the region,'' the Pentagon has said.

According to the DSCA, the Government of Pakistan had, among other things, requested a possible sale of six used C-130E aircraft with engines, one C-130E operational capabilities upgrade aircraft for cannibalisation with engines, modification kits, spare and repair parts and publications and technical documents. "This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the U.S. by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been and continues to be an important force for economic progress in South Asia,'' the Agency of the Department of Defence has said in a release.

The Pentagon Agency has said that Islamabad needed these aircraft both for its Air Force requirements and as it seeks to support the U.S.' Operation Enduring Freedom. "Pakistan needs these aircraft to support a current and long term airlift shortfall, both for Pakistan Air Force internal requirements and as it seeks to support the U.S. Government with Operation Enduring Freedom. These C-130E aircraft will be used for the purpose of providing airlift support,'' the DSCA has said. The Pentagon has said that the notice of this potential sale is required by law and it did not mean that the sale has been concluded.

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