By IANS,
Karachi : The Pakistan Navy has inducted two upgraded US P3-C aircraft in its fleet, a media report said.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir Tuesday attended the induction ceremony at the Naval Aviation Base in Karachi, the Online news agency reported.
Bashir said this is the first batch of upgraded P3-C aircraft from the US. The remaining aircraft will be brought to the country after necessary upgradation.
He said the induction would further boost the navy’s capability to fight terrorism, drug smuggling and other illegal activities on the high seas.
Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Tanveer Faiz said both the aircraft underwent major upgradation at Lockheed Martin facility in Greenville, US.
Deputy Chief of the Office of the Defence Representative in Pakistan (ODRP) Brig. General Nagata said these aircraft are equipped with modern avionics and will enhance the navy’s capability to conduct maritime operations.
P3-C is a four engine, highly maneuverable, all weather aircraft fitted with advanced surface and under water sensor system.
The aircraft is designed for reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface vessel (ASV) operations. It is one of the fastest turbo prop aircraft and most widely used in Long Range Maritime Patrol (LRMP) worldwide.