KARACHI, Feb 21: Two modified P3C Orion long-range reconnaissance aircraft were inducted into the PN Fleet at Naval Aviation Base here on Tuesday.

The aircraft modified with latest avionics/sensors are part of US assistance being provided to Pakistan Navy under FMF (Foreign Military Funding) programme.

Pakistan is to receive six such aircraft in three batches of two each. The first batch was inducted into Pakistan Navy in 2010.

An ISPR spokesperson told a questioner that the two aircraft were not replacement of the two such planes that were destroyed by terrorists during an attack on PNS Mehran airbase in Karachi in May last year.

The navy said the aircraft inducted on Monday had extended surveillance capability which would help “maintain requisite vigil in our vital area of interest in North Arabian Sea”. The area regarded as an important trade and energy corridor for global economy was home to intense maritime activity, both legal and illegal, and thus warranted continuous guard, it added.

Speaking at the induction ceremony, Vice Admiral M. Zakaullah welcomed the addition of the P3C aircraft which he said would add to the combat potential of the naval fleet.