This is from Paknews but is also being reported in the Indian press,apparently they will start deilvery early next month, God knows what a “ultra modern” chopper is!?
US to supply choppers to Pakistan
Updated on 2002-04-27 11:59:29
ISLAMABAD, April 27 (PNS): The US will supply five ultra modern choppers and three large planes equipped with sophisticated arms to Pakistan in the month of June to launch operation against the hundreds of Al-Qaida and Taliban fighters allegedly holed up in tribal areas and the territories bordering on Pak-Afghan borders.
The well placed official sources told that the details are being worked out among the both of the countries in this respect.
These helicopters and planes will carry out search operations for Taliban and Al-Qaida men allegedly taking refuge in tribal belt besides watching their activities from Quetta.
A high level US delegation led by air wing advisor will arrive in Islamabad on Sunday to finalise the arrangements and discuss the details with Interior ministry officials.
Sources disclosed that US are spending $ 73 million on purchase of these ultra modern choppers and planes.
The two sides will also sign an agreement on May 6 in this respect. Interior Minister Moin-Ud-Din Haider will also leave for Washington on May 2.
Sources said that Pakistan has also initiated the plan of to monitor the borders and preventing entry of terrorists at the behest of US so that terrorists from Al-Qaida net work could not smuggle heroin.
The US is now providing sophisticated arms to Pakistan to ensure monitoring of borders effectively.
This agency has also learnt that vice chairman of the US mission Micheal Seison had met home secretary Tasneem Noorani in his office on April 23 and exchanged views on provision of $ 73 million aid for monitoring Pak-Afghan borders.
It was decided in the meeting that interior ministry will control the administrative matters of planes and helicopters to be supplied by US.
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April 29, 2002 at 9:02 am