US delivers 30 helicopters
By Our Defence Correspondent

RAWALPINDI—The United States on Monday handed over 26 Bell-412 Helicopters and four completely refurbished Cobra Helicopters to Pakistan Army at a ceremony held here at Qasim Aviation Base. The helicopters were handed over to Kamran Rasool, Secretary Defence, by US Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson.
Speaking on the occasion, the US Ambassador W. Patterson said that US is fulfilling its commitment to Pakistan to meet its security needs and reaffirmed a long-term and strategic US commitment to Pakistan.
Secretary Defence thanked the US Government and said that the induction of these Bell 412 and Cobra Helicopters in Pakistan Army will significantly enhance the country’s operational capabilities. He appreciated the efforts of ODRP which made untiring efforts in completion of various projects and also in provision of much needed spares for the aviation fleet.
In his welcome address Director General Army Aviation Major General Syed Taqi Naseer Rizvi thanked the US Authorities for their wholehearted support and hoped that this cooperation will continue in future.
He highlighted the role of Cobra Gunship helicopters and hoped the induction of Bell-412 would go a long way in fortifying the country’s capability to effectively combat the menace of terrorism.