US mulls possible AH-1Z sale to Pakistan
The US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale of AH-1Z Viper helicopters to Pakistan, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on 6 April.
The department also approved a possible sale of AGM-114R Hellfire II missiles, along with equipment, parts, training and logistical support associated with the missiles and AH-1Z Vipers. The estimated cost is $952 million.
The equipment has been requested by Pakistan as it seeks upgraded military capabilities to support its counterterrorism and counter-insurgency operations in South Asia.
In total, Pakistan has requested a possible sale of 15 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, 32 T-700 GE 401C engines (30 installed and two spares), 1000 AGM-114 R Hellfire II missiles, 36 H-1 technical refresh mission computers, 17 AN/AAQ-30 target sight systems and 30 629F-23 ultra-high frequency/very high frequency communication systems.
The country also requested 19 H-764 embedded GPS/inertial navigation systems, 32 helmet-mounted display/optimised top owl, 17 APX-117A friend or foe identification systems, 17 AN/AAR-47 missile warning systems, 17 AN/ALE-47 countermeasure dispenser sets, 18 AN/APR-39C(V)2 radar warning receivers, 15 joint mission planning systems, and 17 M197 20mm gun systems.
Bell Helicopter, General Electric, Boeing and Lockheed Martin will be the principle contractors if the sale goes ahead.
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