Tue, Sep 30, 2003
...if Congress Approves the Sale
On 24 September 2003,
the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a
possible Foreign Military Sale to Pakistan of Bell 407 Helicopters
as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if
all options are exercised, could be as high as $97 million.
The Government of Pakistan has requested a possible sale of 40
Bell 407 helicopters with commercial avionics package, support
equipment, spare/repair parts, publications/technical data,
personnel training/equipment, and U.S. Government and contractor
engineering and logistics support services, and other related
elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $97
million.
They Want Them for US, of Course.
This proposed sale will enhance the foreign policy and national
security of the United States by providing Pakistan increased
technological capacity to support the U.S. Government Operation
Enduring Freedom efforts.
The proposed sale of Bell helicopters will have a significant
impact on Pakistan’s ability to secure its borders. At the
same time, this technology poses no threat to the balance of power
in the region. This proposed sale will have a dramatic impact on
Pakistan’s ability to support U.S. objectives in the Global
War on Terror. The terrain along Pakistan’s border is
extremely rugged and difficult to secure. Its dense mountainous
regions, rugged terrain and vast borders make it virtually
impossible to secure without the mobility provided by aviation
assets. Vehicle support is limited to utility trucks, and there is
limited cross-country capability. The lack of mobility for
observation, transportation and interdiction seriously limits
Pakistan’s ability to stop border-crossing violations.
The addition of U.S.
provided helicopters would add the following capabilities required
for anti-terrorist and border security operations: (1) observation
platforms to better patrol the mountainous border region, and (2)
transportation platforms to move personnel to areas of suspected
infiltrations.
Good News: No 'Offsets!'
The prime contractor will be Bell Helicopter of Fort Worth (TX).
There are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this
potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment
of a contractor representative in Pakistan for two years.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a
result of this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not
mean that the sale has been concluded.
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