**Pakistan navy to get Orion aircraft, Harpoon missiles: **
Islamabad, May: The Pakistan Navy has placed an order worth $1.3 billion with the US for supply of eight P3-C Orion aircraft, six Phalanx close-in weapon systems and at least 60 Harpoon missiles, Xinhua reported.
The Pentagon has notified the sale of the aircraft and equipment to the US Congress, which is expected to approve it within the next 30 days.
According to an official, the eight P3-C aircraft with T-56 engines and associated equipment and services will cost $970 million.
He said the deal would be paid for from the US military assistance to Pakistan.
A media report said the aircraft would help the navy develop a long-needed fleet of maritime and border surveillance aircraft.
It said the command-and-control capabilities of the P3-C aircraft would help improve Pakistan’s ability to restrict littoral movement of terrorists along its southern border.
US offers old version of Orion to India
**Josy Joseph in New Delhi | **September 18, 2003 18:49 IST
Americans have offered the Indian Navy the P3B version, not the latest P3C, of the Orion long-range antisubmarine and maritime surveillance aircraft.
New Delhi is favourably considering the offer, saying the P3B will be upgraded with the latest systems and can be a potent force in the seas around India.
The P3B’s price will also be “much less” than the $36 million for a P3C, according to navy sources.
Last week, an American delegation made a presentation at the naval headquarters in New Delhi.
The delegation said the planes would be refurbished and its systems upgraded by the Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems Company, providing the aircraft at least 15,000 flying hours.