U.S. delivers Eight Cobra Attack Helicopters to Pakistan Army

Saturday February 03, 2007 (0513 PST)

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ISLAMABAD: The U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Ryan C. Crocker, handed over on Friday eight night capable Cobra attack helicopters, AH1-F, to the Pakistan Army at the Qasim Airbase, near Islamabad. These helicopters are part of a $ 50 million foreign military sales program that will provide the Pakistan Army with 20 refurbished helicopters.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Crocker recounted Pakistan`s contribution to the War on Terror and reaffirmed a long-term and strategic U.S. commitment to Pakistan. "We understand and appreciate the very real sacrifices that Pakistan is making in the War on Terror. The majority of important al Qaeda arrests have occurred because of Pakistan`s cooperation," the Ambassador remarked.

Ambassador Crocker said that Pakistan has posted 80,000 troops to the Afghan border and has killed more than 700 militants in anti-terror operations and has regrettably lost more than 400 brave Pakistanis in actions related to the War on Terror.

These completely refurbished Cobra AH1-F Attack helicopters will provide the Pakistan Army with a superior capability to conduct night operations. The Cobra is a modern and versatile helicopter with a fully integrated weapon system, capable of delivering a variety of weapons. These eight Night Capable (C-NITE Equipped) cobras will augment Pakistan`s current fleet of 19 Cobras previously acquired from the U.S.

The Ambassador said that these helicopters are important weapons in our common fight against terrorism. He said that the U.S. is also committed to Pakistan`s security. The sale of F-16s to Pakistan late last year and the delivery of these Cobra helicopters demonstrate the long-term commitment of the United States to all aspects of our strategic partnership with Pakistan, he added.

Ambassador Crocker reiterated that because the governments of Pakistan and the United States have cooperated closely on counter-terrorism, the U.S. Administration opposed provision in legislation currently in the U.S. Congress that could restrict assistance to Pakistan based on a certification requirement. Such conditionality would be counterproductive to the strategic relationship between the United States and Pakistan, he added.

End.