The United States has offered sale of modern arms worth $9 billion to Pakistan for its armed forces, it is learnt. Sources said Pakistan has compiled its arms and spares shopping list after the US made this biggest-ever offer to Pakistan.
Meanwhile, a five-day meeting of Pak-US military consultative commission has been called in Washington to discuss the arms deal. Led by Defence Secretary Lt Gen Hamid Nawaz (retd), Pak delegation would leave for the US by the end of next week. The earlier meeting of the commission was held in Islamabad last year.
According to the sources, Pakistan’s bid for purchase of 40 F-16 aircraft and upgrading of existing F-16 fleet are also on the agenda of Washington meeting. Besides a list of vision devices, missiles and radars would also be given to the US. Pakistan will also discuss arms and equipment purchase for its navy and air force.
The two sides will also discuss
training opportunities for Pak military officials in the US. They will
also consider joint military exercises. The sources said the meeting would
review Pak-US anti-terror effort. Hamid Nawaz will also visit Pentagon
and meet US Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld, the sources added.