KARACHI - The second batch of two modified P3C aircraft were inducted into Pakistan Navy fleet at Naval Aviation Base in Karachi on Tuesday.
The aircraft modified with latest avionics/sensors are part of the US assistance being provided to Pakistan Navy under FMF (Foreign Military Funding) programme.
Pakistan Navy is to receive a total of six such aircraft from US in batches of two each. The first batch was inducted into Pakistan Navy in 2010.
According to a statement, the aircraft has extended surveillance capability which will help Pakistan Navy maintain requisite vigil in Pakistan’s vital area of interest in North Arabian Sea. The area regarded as an important trade and energy corridor for the global economy, is home to intense maritime activity both legal and illegal and thus warrants continuous guard.
Speaking at the induction ceremony, chief guest Vice Admiral M Zakaullah welcomed the addition of P3C aircraft which will significantly add to the combat potential of Pakistan Navy fleet. The ceremony was attended by a large number of serving and retired Pakistan Navy personnel.
AFP adds: The Pakistan Navy took delivery of two state-of-the-art, US-made surveillance aircraft nine months after militants destroyed two similar planes in an attack on Mehran base, officials said. The attack killed 10 personnel just three weeks after Osama bin Laden was killed in the garrison town of Abbottabad.