Pakistan Requests $1.3B Weapons Package

P-3C Orion

In late 2004, Portuguese aircraft refitter OGMA was chosen by Lockheed Martin in Marietta, GA to refit Pakistan’s 2 P-3C Update II.5 Orion maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft for service. In addition, Pakistan was preparing to buy 8 US Navy surplus P-3C aircraft through the Foreign Military Sales program (DSCA release, up to $970 million) and six 20mm Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems for point defense on its ships (DSCA release, up to $155 million). In May 2005, they added 60 Harpoon anti-ship Missiles (DSCA release, up to $180 million) and 300 AIM-9L Sidewinder air-air missiles (see DSCA release, up to $46 million). The total orders would reportedly be worth a total of $1.3 billion.

Note that India has also been offered P-3C aircraft, though it has also indicated interest in the P-8A MMA successor aircraft program.

• India did end up buying the P-8A.

• See full coverage of Pakistan’s P-3 purchase.