Pakistan, China discuss transfer of new weapons
Press Trust of India
Islamabad, December 31, 2004
Pakistan and Chinese officials have held talks to discuss details of transfer of new weapons system to the Pakistan Navy.
Chief of Pakistan Naval Staff Admiral Shahid Karimullah and Chinese Ambassador Zhang Chunxiang discussed issues related to the transfer of F-22P frigates and Z-9 helicopters to Pakistan, local daily Dawn said.
Pakistan is looking forward to get Z-9 helicopters from China which would form an accessory to the F-22P frigates and enhance the weapons range of the frigate, officials said.
The Z-9 gunship is a French-designed Z-9 (Dauphin II) multi-purpose helicopter produced under license in China.
With a capacity of 14 seats, the Z-9 helicopters can carry anti-submarine torpedoes and missiles in addition to having features of electronic warfare, communications, artillery spotting, naval ship-borne anti-submarine warfare and search and rescue, the officials said.
The delivery of the frigates along with helicopters is said to be in their final stages of contractual negotiations, they said.
© HT Media Ltd. 2004.