Pakistan Navy gets P-3 Orion aircraft from US

KARACHI, Jan 18 (Reuters) The United States has handed over the first of eight P-3 Orion reconnaissance and anti-submarine aircraft to Pakistan, the navy said today.

Washington agreed in late 2005 to supply 970 million dollar worth planes to Pakistan, a key ally in its war on terrorism, to help boost its naval capabilities.

A statement from the Pakistan Navy said delivery of the aircraft was a sign of sustained mutual cooperation between the two countries.

The four-engined Lockheed P-3 Orion is a highly manoeuvrable, all-weather aircraft primarily designed for reconnaissance, anti-submarine and anti-surface vessel operations.

The second aircraft is expected to be handed over next month and the entire delivery to be completed in three to four years.

Arrival of the eight new planes will bring Pakistan's fleet of P-3Cs to 10.

REUTERS LL RAI2031