The war Minister of Pakistan Khawaja Muhammad Asif in a meeting with Russian defense Minister Sergei Shoigu intends to discuss the issue of deliveries of Russian weapons. He declared it to “Interfax” on Wednesday, April 27.
“We expect to expand our military cooperation with Russia, including with regard to the supply of weapons for our army and air force, we have also held joint exercises this year”, — said the Minister.
He said that Islamabad is interested in primarily the purchase of helicopters, air defense systems and tanks.
Islamabad in 1965 until the early 1970s, was a recipient of Soviet weapons, in particular, was transmitted about 150 T-55 tanks, artillery and helicopters Mi-8. Then came a long pause, associated with the strategic rapprochement between Moscow and Delhi, as well as the worsening of relations with Pakistan on the Afghanistan issue.
Military-technical cooperation between Moscow and Islamabad resumed only after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but was limited. From 1996 to 2010 Russia sold Pakistan about 70 helicopters Mi-17 (Mi-171).
In June 2015, it was reported that Russia may start deliveries in Pakistan attack helicopters Mi-35M. With 2012-2013, it is also anticipated the possible participation of Russia in modernization of 320 T-80UD tanks, purchased in Ukraine between 1997 and 2002.
In addition, from 2014, we discuss the possibility of direct deliveries of jet engines RD-93 for light fighter-bombers JF-17 Thunder. It is collected in Pakistan under license by the Chinese machine FC-1 “Xiaolong”, designed to replace the family of aircraft J-7 (MiG-21) with an eye on serious export prospects. At the moment the engine RD-93 China ordered in Russia and re-exported.
