Pakistan orders additional AW139 helicopters

E-Paper | October 13, 2026

Pakistan orders additional AW139 helicopters

Dawn.com Published February 22, 2017

Pakistan has ordered additional AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters intermediate twin engine helicopters, confirmed Italian aerospace and defence firm Leonardo-Finmeccanica.

The additional order was placed by the Ministry of Defence for an unspecified number of new helicopters.

The helicopters are expected to perform search and rescue (SAR) and emergency medical service (EMS) duties in the country.

Deliveries for the helicopters are expected to start from mid-2017, the defence company added.

"The AW139 is the perfect fit to Pakistan’s operational environment, delivering outstanding capabilities with hot and high performance unmatched by any other existing helicopter type in the same class," said Leonardo.

An agreement was signed and an initial order for the helicopter was placed in May 2016.

The agreement was part of a fleet renewal programme spread over several stages and included a logistics support and training package.

A total of 11 AW139s are already in service in Pakistan, with five aircraft operated for civil protection and transport tasks.

Pakistan orders new MRAP vehicles

Pakistan has given Navistar Defence, a US manufacturer, a $35 million contract to produce 40 mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) MaxxPro Dash DXM vehicles for, IHS Jane's Defence Weekly reported on Wednesday.

A MaxxPro Dash. The US Army has awarded Navistar Defense a USD35 million contract to build 40 of these MRAPs for Pakistan. — IHS Jane's

The US Department of Defence (DoD) announced the deal in a statement issued on Feb 16.

Awarded under a US Foreign Military Sales contract, the deal also includes various support items, contractor logistics, and technical support services, the defence journal reported.

The project is set to be completed by October 2018. Work on the project will take place in West Point, Mississippi, and Pakistan.

Contract bids were solicited via the internet, with Navistar Defence's the only one received.

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Skeptic

Feb 22, 2017 03:45pm

Strange, when Pakistan so proudly displays the much-touted JF-17 as Pakistani Aeronautical Engineering marvel and of 'Pakistani manufacture' but cannot make military vehicles? The two don't reconcile, if a country boasts about making fighter jets, but has no local car manufacturing facilities.

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pashtoon

Feb 22, 2017 03:49pm

This is defensive strategy against terrorism, eliminate terrorist ideology and you will no longer need these.

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Hassan (Karachi)

Feb 22, 2017 03:51pm

MRAP Vehicle = Mine Resistant Ambush Protected

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Feb 22, 2017 03:58pm

You people could have bought it from mahindra at half this price.

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Houlbelat

Feb 22, 2017 04:19pm

@bk: And could have obtained all vital security information from the country through hidden gadgets installed in disguise.

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Feb 22, 2017 04:28pm

@Houlbelat The same can US do...

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mfk

Feb 22, 2017 04:27pm

@Skeptic 1 step at a time

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South Asia

Feb 22, 2017 04:28pm

@Houlbelat And USA will not?

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jamil

Feb 22, 2017 04:30pm

@Hassan (Karachi) Besides aeroplanes nothing is mine ressistant.

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Amit Sharma

Feb 22, 2017 04:34pm

USA has suffered maximum casualties in Afghanistan in this vehicle.... Probably nothing is mine resistant actually...

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Mushtaque Ahmed

Feb 22, 2017 04:38pm

We will buy first time and then go for reverse engineering like Al-Khalid that will be a good feat.

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ABE

Feb 22, 2017 04:42pm

@mfk - Exactly, what the gist of argument was. We are building Metros and Motorways when others are going into space. Somehow Pakistani government forgot that the will eventually need military trucks, before building tanks and try to sell them to foreign governments. Yet we are buying trucks from a government, which has consistently blackmails Pakistan and holds delivery of such items, including F-16s. So before building fighter jets, maybe we could've built a plant to manufacture vehicles, instead of always begging US for military hardware and even armored-plated trucks. And if JF-17 is as good as claimed, than why is Paksitan constantly begging the Americans for a handful of old and out-dated F-16 models??

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osd

Feb 22, 2017 04:44pm

@Skeptic The MRAP technology has only recently been developed and is quite specialized. It's not like a land cruiser with a fancy bumper. So it's perfectly reasonable to import them while we learn what our requirements are and then develop a vehicle according to our needs. What is important is to be proud of all the achievements of our country up till now.

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jA-Australia

Feb 22, 2017 04:45pm

@Skeptic That's exactly why we point out that India's cryogenic engine for GSLV is a 1990s era Russian design given to India by the Russians. After all, if India could make a cryogenic engine, then why does it need to import fighter jets, tanks, and other military hardware?

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KhwarIzmi

Feb 22, 2017 04:48pm

We don't need more US defence equipment. I am sure the same capability is available via other sources.

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Shahid

Feb 22, 2017 04:56pm

@ABE , not every country builds everything. . Pakistan isn't alone in purchasing MRAPs from USA , half of Europe does that including the most technology rich states.

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Jaywa

Feb 22, 2017 04:56pm

Now no one is saying about poverty in Pakistan. They just remember it when neighbours do something.

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South Asia

Feb 22, 2017 05:00pm

@jA-Australia Because India doesnot disturb ISRO for military purpose. They are also alloted their own separate budget. Russians never gave us the engines or else we would have had it long back and it would have been russia that helt a 104 satellite record. Russia doesnot have a gas generator engine. No one gives tech like China gives Pakistan, russia and USA denied India a Super Computer, so we built our own. India is not what it was in the 1980s, its a different nation you like it or not.

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Skeptic

Feb 22, 2017 05:15pm

@osd - 'Achievements'? Let me count the ways: - Poor educational system and sliding down the scale; - Almost non-existent health care facilities, as people die on floor hospitals and the PM goes to London for routine checkups; - Lack of clean drinking water; - Shortage of Electricity; - Lack of security and law and order in major cities; -Cronyism, corruption and dysfunctional 'so-called' democracy; -Contaminated Food items and mind-corrupting Cable TV 24/7 of mediocre quality; - Misplaced priorities of missiles, metros and motorways while Pakistani seek refuge in other countries. - Income disparity and poverty that makes people do desperate things to survive, that will make your toes curl. Shall I go on, or will this do to make us feel proud for the day!??

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SULTAN Rahi

Feb 22, 2017 05:16pm

MRAPS can and are being manufactured locally so not sure why we felt the need to buy them unless there was some sort of a technology or money transfer!

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Basit Ali

Feb 22, 2017 05:46pm

@SULTAN Rahi where are they being manufactured locally brother?

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Muhammad

Feb 22, 2017 05:46pm

@Skeptic Many countries produces many high tech Armour but they still purchase different arms and ammunition from other countries also it is not very surprising I think you have never studied international journals

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McChrist

Feb 22, 2017 05:49pm

@jA-Australia Heard about tejas aircraft n dhruv helicopter? N one more thing, Russia had refused to give cryogenic technology to India under the pressure of usa n then ISRO developed it on its own.

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Muhammad

Feb 22, 2017 05:50pm

@Skeptic "Let me count the ways: Poor educational system and sliding down the scale; Almost non-existent health care facilities..........things to survive, that will make your toes curl. Shall I go on, or will this do to make us feel proud for the day!??" India is far ahead in this these achievements also should India leave its defense to Pakistan ?

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Jogi Shah

Feb 22, 2017 05:53pm

If you check this helicopter on internet, you will find that it is for executive and business travelling with more than 8 seats and very fashionable interior. Usually businessmen, conference participants and models use this helicopter. It clearly shows that ruling elite is interested in making their domestic travel arrangements more secure, safe and enjoyable. Perhaps, these helicopters are used by PM, President, CMs, Generals and judges.

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ali

Feb 22, 2017 05:54pm

common Please stop this Invest on Education, we are 300 year back than the developed countries

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Raj

Feb 22, 2017 05:54pm

@jA-Australia thats where you fail to differentiate engine technology for rocket, fighter jet and other weapon grade engine are different.

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GK ( Netherlands)

Feb 22, 2017 05:58pm

@Muhammad Very true...and if you think about manufacturing in the country now , will it be delivered in Mid 2017 ?

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Mushtaque Ahmed

Feb 22, 2017 06:02pm

@JA-AUSTRAILIA Now India has initiated “Outer space and strategic stability”, through a paper read by retired Lt Gen B.S. Nagal which implies that ISRO will go military in times aheas. Isn't that true?

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Jayw

Feb 22, 2017 06:16pm

@Mushtaque Ahmed Maybe yes and so would China. Can you compete?

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KKL

Feb 22, 2017 06:17pm

South Asia is the most lucrative market for Arms sellers...Keep the Kashmir issue up and sell Arms to two most fool nations on Planet. How in return will not look at the people dying of hunger but for sure will buy Arms...

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ahmed

Feb 22, 2017 06:23pm

@Skeptic ...The one which is conventional war and against the standing Army of your country, we are capable to continue developing and manufacturing JF-17 and Al-Khalids. For insurgency, one requires different kind of tactics and equipment. Conventional war threat is permanent which we have the resources within to fight. Insurgency is temporary, and we require short term solutions considering not wasting our resources in a longer run. You can't divert our priority with feeding insurgencies.

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Feb 22, 2017 06:23pm

@Muhammad " India is far ahead in this these achievements also should India leave its defense to Pakistan ? " These are no way for defence purpose. The helicopters are expected to perform search and rescue and emergency medical service duties in the country. So most of the time they will be used for personal convenience. So now what ?

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Michael Khatana

Feb 22, 2017 06:24pm

Pakistan must improve its defense equipment manufacturing capabilities. It should develop a close manufacturing cooperation with Turkey and Indonesia. Every single piece of military equipment bought from Western nations must have a clause for its deveopment within Pakistan. A healthy homegrown military equipment manufacturing ought to be the primary task of military men!

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ALTAF Ahemed Ansari

Feb 22, 2017 06:36pm

Country,s safety first. Its a good decision.

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Ali

Feb 22, 2017 06:40pm

@Skeptic By the same logic India shouldn't be buying Fighter Planes as they are very good in sending mission to Mars ?? Please understand that Pakistan is a developing nation and doesn't necessarily have the expertise to Manufacture all sorts of equipment. Various countries around the world have expertise in different sectors , not everyone is US. RUSSIA CHINA who are manufacturing everything across the board !!!

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ALTAF Ahemed Ansari

Feb 22, 2017 06:47pm

@Ali good answer sir!!!!

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Ali

Feb 22, 2017 06:50pm

@Skeptic OSD mentioned ""What is important is to be proud of all the achievements of our country up till now"" .. please read his post carefully. You have a perspective which mimics your name, nothing wrong in criticizing our deficiencies, after all we do need to look into these issues but don't take everything pessimistically and give some credit where it is due.

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OSD

Feb 22, 2017 07:08pm

@Skeptic You can continue with your list if that makes you feel important. Every country has faced problems and every country has made mistakes; - America is the undisputed leader of the world and still doesn't have universal health care. - Sri Lanka has top class literacy and still doesn't have security. - Bangladesh is making strides in developing its industry and still doesn't guarantee protection of labor rights against exploitation. - India is launching its own aircraft carrier and yet it is the center of E.Coli infections caused by drinking water getting mixed with sewage. Look at how the Indians constantly promote their country, even when most of it is embellishments and exaggerations. I do wonder how some of us live with themselves when they hold such negative feelings for their own country. In spite of all the problems we have faced, Pakistan provided us an identity and has always pulled through. This is something to be proud of.

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Zealot

Feb 22, 2017 07:14pm

@Skeptic comment with Some sense.why india need Tejas when They already getting Su30.why they even Need Rafael too?when Having 115 Jaguars Fighters,224 Su30,69 mig29 and over 200 Mig 21 Pakistan Already indegenous in Making Prime MBT Alkhalid,AlZarrar,APCs and Even Making Their own Vehicals. so The answer is Military Requirments,Strategic needs

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Joe

Feb 22, 2017 07:19pm

This helicopter has landed a previous Indian air chief in JAIL. Be careful

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mirza

Feb 22, 2017 07:21pm

@Skeptic Those are very high tech trucks "mine resistant" can you point to few others who make these. Think before you ink brother.

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Joe

Feb 22, 2017 07:21pm

@ABE JF 17 is no patch on F16. Please check comparison online

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A shah

Feb 22, 2017 07:26pm

WOW

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Ali

Feb 22, 2017 07:32pm

MRAP vehicles are best for IED/bombs planted by terrorists. The US and NATO troops suffered maximum casualties in Afghanistan due to IEDs. Pakistan being the front-line state has suffered more than others. Pakistan is also a strategic US partner in the War on Terror, therefore these vehicles should be provided free by USA, just as they were provided free to Afghanistan.

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Deepak Kumar

Feb 22, 2017 08:03pm

Great going Pakistan.. go for it...

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Falcon1

Feb 22, 2017 08:20pm

Pakistan should double the defense budget and see how many missiles we can sell to the rest of the world.. Maybe that will make Pakistan into a Dubai!? We don't need schools or hospitals.

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Ash2000

Feb 22, 2017 08:54pm

India order same helicopter for VIP duties and then order was cancelled due to bribery. Same helicopters will be provided to Pakistan as company already have in their stock. They are actually for VIP duties and procured in the name of emergency duties. Somebody is making money here.

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TechScribe

Feb 22, 2017 09:08pm

@OSD Well said bro. Same goes for us Indians.

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Shahzad Ikhlaq

Feb 22, 2017 09:29pm

@Skeptic India boasts of manufacturing "Tejas" in India (which is under manufacturing stage from 3 decades) yet is the biggest importer of arms in South Asia, oh the irony!

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Javelin

Feb 22, 2017 09:33pm

@Mushtaque Ahmed ......We will buy first time and then go for reverse engineering like Al-Khalid that will be a good feat....... The Chinese your half brothers are experts at this!

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SID

Feb 22, 2017 10:20pm

Does Pakistan need these luxury helicopters when 40% of population is under poverty line ?

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M. Malik

Feb 23, 2017 01:33am

A lot of apparently blind, deaf and ignorant people here, who seem all so willing to jump with joy as government continues to waste millions on military hardware, at a time when many parts of the country are in desperately need schools, teachers, basic health facilities, clean water, adequate electricity and security to go about their daily routines. I pity those who are so eager to bury their heads in the proverbial sand, while corruption reigns supreme, hundreds of millions go missing or siphoned off from treasury by our very trusted officials and are allowed to go with nothing more than a slap on the wrist. The entire society is thriving on live and let live as people seem to have become docile, even complacent with the fact that the country is falling behind on many indices (don't get me started on over-inflated PSX). The ignorant lot who consider the status quo as 'proud achievements, I say this: You deserve leaders like NS and Zardaris. I feel sorry for you.

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Jayakumar

Feb 23, 2017 01:51am

Not sure abt the cost but surely the Chinese choppers could have been a lot cheaper.

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AXH

Feb 23, 2017 02:17am

@Jaywa - "Now no one is saying about poverty in Pakistan. They just remember it when neighbours do something." Pakistan is fighting wars at two fronts, east and west with one neighbor involved on both fronts, but you already know that.

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JaVed Ali

Feb 23, 2017 02:22am

AW139 is totally unfit for Pakistani conditions. It does not perform well in hot temperatures and high elevations. This company was banned in India for bribing some senior generals. I am very much sure there has been some underhand deal in Pakistan as well.

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Raheel The great

Feb 23, 2017 02:26am

@bk Mahendra vehicles are not renowned for quality of engineering and certainly not latest technology. Americans through their wars have produced some great vehicles that are resistant to IEDs.

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Raheel The great

Feb 23, 2017 02:29am

@Skeptic you write as your living in a first world nation. All the problems you listed and many more exist as a fact of daily life in India

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Dawn

Feb 23, 2017 02:45am

@Houlbelat and the ones you are buying are safe???

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Raja Farhat Abbas

Feb 23, 2017 03:29am

@OSD ...Brilliant reply to the naysayers,bravo.

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German

Feb 23, 2017 03:44am

@SID You must be under the mistaken impression that Pakistan was made for poor people. Nothing could be further from the truth.

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Asad

Feb 23, 2017 03:56am

Should built 139 universities

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harry

Feb 23, 2017 04:06am

I have never been able to understand this logic of our country, How are we able to produce such high capability missiles and rockets and have no advancement in launching satellites. How are we able to develop JF 17 Planes and have no capability to develop such Combat vehicles for our troops. Its clear that not only in the field of civil governance but also in strategic and defense our priorities are misplaced and we do a good job giving us a pat on our back by showcasing the capabilities that are not indigenous and are borrowed or bought. Let's build this nation, its high time we get our acts together and face the reality as it is.

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YOUKNOWIMRIGHT

Feb 23, 2017 04:17am

@bk , yep, Pakistan could have bought vehicles from Mahindra for half the price, as you contend, but they would have been less than half as good!

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Yash

Feb 23, 2017 04:59am

@SID .Not 40% my friend, it's over 60%. Check the details again.

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IMTIAZ ALI KHAN

Feb 23, 2017 05:50am

What is this India Pakistan ordering military helicopter, too much money is going to all this hate. Galeh milo or khushi bato (Hug each other and spread joy), never let hate take over you minds, we are the same people, don't listen to anyone who talks bad about India or Pakistan. Hate is easy to spread but in the love will win. Namasteh my beloved India from my Indus Valley Pakland :)

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IMTIAZ ALI KHAN

Feb 23, 2017 06:32am

@SID It's just sad 50 million of my Pakistani people and 600 million of my Indian people no place to defecate and basic needs of life are not available. This is the reality of IndoPak. Here I'm reading that India is a great and Pakistan is great. Reality on ground can be seen by a person very easily in both nations, specially if they are lucky enough to rise above his political created hate of India Pakistan.

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Waseem

Feb 23, 2017 07:49am

@Skeptic Ideally we should build every thing we need, however one has to priortise. We build JF-17 first because sections would not allow us to buy what we want. Additionally making planes saves you millions vs making vehicle saves you thousands.

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Luftwaffe

Feb 23, 2017 07:54am

@Skeptic it's called copy rights

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Feb 23, 2017 08:04am

Dawn - you have provided a wonderful platform for the hawks from the two sides of the border to vent their grievances. It is much better to fight here than to fight, on the ground, holding guns. Please keep this platform strong for years to come!

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Vishal

Feb 23, 2017 08:15am

AW - Same firm which India banned as they were found guilty on charges of bribe. Sure they would have paid bribe to many high profile Pakistanis also for the deal !

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mitchelle nelson Fernandes

Feb 23, 2017 08:26am

Augusta Westland kick backs a big factor for the orders. Besides its for the elite.

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J. J.

Feb 23, 2017 02:31pm

@jA-Australia Because it has not let the private sector into defense. The day it opens this up to the private sectors the Americans and the Chinese will get a run fr their money.

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jA-australia

Feb 23, 2017 03:46pm

@harry Launching satellites requires a very different technology than designing medium range missiles and fighter jets. Satellite launch technology is dual use, i.e. a space launch vehicle can be used as an ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile). If Pakistan tested space launch capability, it would be accused of testing an ICBM. This would trigger extreme sanctions on Pakistan, since it would put Europe within reach of a Pakistani ICBM.

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Abbassin

Feb 24, 2017 12:51am

@Skeptic / The country that makes Fighter Jets, can easily make cars-as and when it wants to. The question is of need and priority at the moment. And by the way, it does make cars.

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Zak

Feb 24, 2017 02:25am

@Skeptic if india boasts about Tejas plane, yet buys 36 French Rafael fighters. Look within before making non sensical comments.

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DAM

Feb 24, 2017 08:24am

Pak orders and US/EU pays the bill!

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