US to sell military equipment to Pak

Washington: The Bush administration has notified the Congress of a possible sale of military equipment to Pakistan involving high frequency radio systems for an estimated cost of $160 million.

Islamabad has requested for a possible sale of Harris High Frequency/Very High Frequency radio systems and other logistics services including ancillary equipment, a notification from Pentagon said.

"The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that continues to be a key ally in the global war on terrorism," the Pentagon has informed Capitol Hill.

"The radios will enable Pakistan to improve its capability to provide current and updated intelligence between patrols and higher headquarters," it said.

"Also, the radios will increase interoperability between Pakistan and the US and coalition forces assisting in the efforts to curtail and eliminate terrorist activities," Pentagon said, adding that the proposed sale of equipment 'will not affect the basic military balance' in the region.

The radio systems will include 1,558 20-Watt High Frequency (HF) Man Packs, 2,188 20-Watt HF Vehicular Systems, 175 150-Watt HF Vehicular Systems, ancillary equipment, spare and repairs parts and other support equipment.