ISLAMABAD, April 5: Pakistan is set to receive six C-130 military transport aircraft from the United States before the end of this year, officials said on Monday. Sources in the Pakistan Air Force told Deutsche Presse-Agentur that both countries had already worked out the modalities for the planes.

The aircraft delivery is part of a $75 million agreement signed in late 2002 after Pakistan assumed a key role in the US-led war against terrorism by sharing intelligence and providing the coalition air bases in the south and southwestern parts of the country.

Washington has recently also decided to accord Pakistan a major non-NATO ally (MNNA) status in recognition of its role in the anti-terror war, which observers believe will help Islamabad acquire much-needed military equipment from the United States.

Countries holding the MNNA status have a relatively easier access to the US defence industry as well as financial markets. "I think Pakistan has now qualified for purchasing military equipment from the US," former foreign minister Sartaj Aziz told dpa.

Islamabad has already discussed with the US a long shopping list which includes a variety of equipment and spares for the hardware Pakistan's three services are using.

Pakistan's defence needs were discussed during two rounds of Pakistan-US Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meetings held in Islamabad and Washington last year. A major sticking point has been the delivery of over two dozen multi-role F-16 aircraft which the US has been withholding since October 1990 to punish Pakistan for its nuclear programme.

The US refusal to deliver the aircraft forced Pakistan into greater reliance on Chinese-origin defence, including F-7s, F-7PGs and A-5s, in addition to aging American F-16s and French Mirages from the late 80s. - DPA