US hands over two Bell 412 EP helicopters to Pak for counterinsurgency efforts
By ANIWednesday, May 19, 2010
ISLAMABAD - The United States has provided two Bell 412 EP helicopters to Pakistan, which would be used in its counterinsurgency operations.
The choppers were handed over by the US Army Brigadier General Michael Nagata to 101 Army Aviation Commanders Brigadier General Tipu Karim at the Qasim Army Air Base near Rawalpindi, The Daily Times quoted a press release, as saying.
Along with the two advanced choppers, which cost about 24 million dollars, the US would also be providing an additional 20 million dollars to Pakistan to buy spare parts, and other equipments to enhance the performance of the brand new helicopters.
Speaking during the ceremony, Brigadier Nagata said the US is committed to a stable and long-term parternership with Pakistan.
“The purchase of the aircrafts demonstrates US’ commitment to a stable and long-term strategic partnership with Pakistan, based on shared interests and mutual respect, which will continue to expand and strengthen in the future,” he said. (ANI)
