PN's P-3C aircraft

Society Military and Strategic Issues
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The Orions program’s been going well. The second one coming in March.

http://dawn.com/2007/02/14/nat2.htm
PN to get seven P-3C aircraft
WASHINGTON, Feb 13: The Lockheed Martin said on Tuesday that it had signed a $186.5 million contract with the US government for upgrading seven P-3C Orion maritime surveillance aircraft for Pakistan.

The company said it would continue to support the Pakistan Navy’s P-3C upgrade programme, which began in March 2006.

The company has delivered one upgraded surveillance aircraft, which was inducted in January, and a second aircraft is expected to join the fleet in March.

The P-3C weapons system is the primary maritime surveillance aircraft operated by the US Navy and 17 international allies.“This programme represents an important expansion of the US Navy, Pakistan Navy and Lockheed Martin P-3 relationship,” said Tom Pillion, US Navy Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft director for International Programmes.—Correspondent

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Re: PN's P-3C aircraft

I heard that another American company- Boeing has showcased Indian Navy, the Next Generation - P8I maritime surveillance aircraft, which is currently under development for US Navy. Boeing claims that Orion is a wonderful aircraft, but it's technology is 50 years old, while P8I offers the next generation technology.

But the important thing is that US defense contractors are grabbing all opportunities (since sanctions been lifted for both India and Pak) so as to boost their sale and keep themselves in profit. This sale is clearly not intended only for use in war on terror, as Bush administration claimed after F-16 deal. It seems, as usual, America is willing to arm both rivals India and Pakistan as long as it's not harming American interest??