RAWALPINDI, Feb 2: Pakistan on Friday received eight night-capable Cobra attack helicopters AH1-F from the United States aimed at enhancing country’s capability in the war on terror.

The helicopters are part of a $50 million foreign military sales programme that will provide the Pakistan Army with 20 refurbished helicopters.

These completely refurbished AH1-F attack helicopters commonly referred to as modernised Cobras will provide the Pakistan Army with a superior capability to conduct night operations.

The Cobra gunship was the world’s first helicopter specifically designed for the armed helicopter direct fire support role.

The eight night-capable (C-NITE equipped) cobras will augment Pakistan’s current fleet of 19 Cobras previously acquired from the US.

Secretary Defence Lt-Gen (retired) Tariq Wasim Ghazi was formally handed over the keys of the refurbished fleet of the gunships by US Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker at a ceremony held here at Qasim base.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Crocker recounted Pakistan’s contribution to the war on terror and reaffirmed a long-term and strategic US commitment to Pakistan. “We understand and appreciate the very real sacrifices that Pakistan is making in the war on terror. Majority of important Al Qaeda arrests have occurred because of Pakistan’s cooperation,” the ambassador said.

He said that Pakistan had posted 80,000 troops to the Afghan border and had killed more than 700 militants in anti-terror operations and had regrettably lost more than 400 brave soldiers in actions related to the war on terror.

The ambassador said: “These helicopters are important weapons in our common fight against terrorism.”

He said that the US was also committed to Pakistan’s security. The sale of F-16s to Pakistan late last year and the delivery of the Cobra helicopters demonstrate the long-term commitment of the United States to all aspects of strategic partnership with Pakistan, he added.

Ambassador Crocker said that because the governments of Pakistan and the US had cooperated closely on counter-terrorism, the US administration opposed provision in legislation currently in the Congress that could restrict assistance to Islamabad based on a certification requirement.

“Such conditionality would be counterproductive to the strategic relationship between the US and Pakistan,” he added. Pakistan would soon be delivered F-16 aircraft, he said, adding that the US was fulfilling its commitment to meet Pakistan’s security needs under the security assistance programme.

Mr Ghazi thanked the US for providing the assistance in defence sector.

He said the delivery of Cobra gunships was a manifestation of the mutual long-term relationship.

In his welcome address, Aviation Corps General Officer Commanding Maj-Gen Javed Aslam Tahir highlighted the role of Cobra gunships and hoped the induction of the batch would go a long way in fortifying the country’s defence.