Pakistan Buys 700 Air-To-Air Missiles From America

Tucson (AFP): Pakistan is buying 700 air-to-air missiles made by US defense group Raytheon for 284 million dollars, the company said Monday. Pakistan is purchasing 500 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), the largest international order for this weapon, and 200 short-range AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles, Raytheon said in a statement.

Delivery of the AMRAAM arsenal will start in 2008 and continue through 2011, it said.

AMRAAM, from a joint US Air Force and Navy program, are used by the armed forces of 32 countries, while 20 countries have AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles, the statement said.

Pakistan has signed a letter of offer and acceptance for the 700 missiles, it said.

"The combined 284 million dollar procurement augments Pakistan's established inventory and will provide the bulk of the air-to-air fire power of the Pakistan Air Force," the statement said.