Pentagon notifies Congress to upgrade Pakistan's C-130 fleet

The Pentagon has notified the Congress to upgrade Pakistan's C-130 fleet at an estimated cost of USD 100 million, saying the US support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The Defence Security Cooperation Agency yesterday notified the Congress this will facilitate the continued operation of the Pakistan's Air Force C-130 fleet (five C-130B and eleven C-130E models) for counter-insurgency or counter-terrorism flights.
Noting that the existing Pakistani fleet is facing airworthiness and obsolescence issues, and as such will require upgrades and repairs for continued operation and effectiveness, the Pentagon agency said.
The fleet upgradation will also help the Pakistan Air Force in regional humanitarian operations; troop transport; and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions within Pakistan and in the region.

The proposed modernisation of the C-130 fleet should ensure continued viability for an additional 10-15 years, it said adding that this will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally which has been, and continues to be, an important force for regional stability and US national security goals in the region.
Assuring the Congress that the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region, the Pentagon said that it is the Pakistani government which has requested for sale of C-130B/E avionics upgrades, engine management and mechanical upgrades, cargo delivery system installation, and replacement of outer wing sets on six aircraft.

Also included are spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, US government and contractor technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is USD 100 million, it said.