KARACHI, Jan 18: First of the eight P-3C Orion reconnaissance aircraft was inducted into the Pakistan Navy on Thursday and the second one is expected to join the fleet next month.

The process of acquiring all eight aircraft will be completed in three to four years.

Senior government officials and representatives of the US mission were present at the handing-over ceremony here.Speaking on the occasion, acting Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Mohammad Haroon referred to the strong relations between Pakistan and the US and said the P-3C Orion aircraft -- designed for reconnaissance, anti-submarine and anti-surface vessel operations -- was a ‘real sign’ of sustained mutual cooperation and tangible translation of their commitment to make the world a peaceful and safe place to live in.

He said uncertainties of the present-day regional maritime environment posed complex challenges of terrorism, arms smuggling, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and drugs and human trafficking at sea. There was urgent need to deny use of sea for illegal activities and acts of terrorism for safety and security of humankind, he said.

He claimed that induction of P-3C aircraft would add to the strength of Pakistan Navy and enhance its surveillance capabilities in the north of the Arabian Sea.

P-3C Orion is four-engine, highly manoeuvrable, all-weather aircraft primarily designed for reconnaissance, anti-submarine and anti-surface vessel operations. By virtue of its extraordinary weapon-carrying capability, P-3C is known as “Airborne Destroyer”.