WASHINGTON, Aug 20: The US government on Wednesday authorised the delivery of 20 P-37 trainer aircraft to Pakistan.

The US government would not charge for the aircraft and Pakistan would only have to bear shipment costs.

Ambassador Husain Haqqani told Dawn that the Pakistan Air Force would receive the aircraft in two to three months. The PAF had sent a formal request for these aircraft early last year.

These are all used aircraft which are being refurbished for PAF’s use.

Earlier this week, the United States released $116 million to finance mid-life upgrades for Pakistan’s aging fleet of F-16 fighter planes.

The US administration is providing a total of $474 million to Pakistan for this purpose. Pakistan has already received the first tranche of $108 million. —Correspondent