Janbaz
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed an interest in acquiring military equipment, including unmanned surveillance aircraft, from Australia to patrol its restive tribal regions bordering Afghanistan.
The request for military gear was made during a visit here by Australian Defence Force chief Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, who was also asked to provide a range of security equipment used by the Australian security and immigration officials.
Pakistan also made a request to Houston for training its security personnel in counter-terrorism techniques, Australia's The Age newspaper reported.
Houston said Pakistani armed forces officers were particularly keen to obtain the Scan Eagle pilot less reconnaissance aircraft built in Australia by Boeing.
The tiny aircraft is fitted with cameras that can be used by night or day and has proven successful when used by Australian troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Houston said that because Afghanistan is landlocked, Australia relies heavily on sea, air and land access through Pakistan for its troops and equipment deployed in that country. "For a long time, they've been a very important partner in our endeavours in Afghanistan," he said.
He said there could be great benefit in having Pakistan engaged with Australia's defence industries. "We think engagement with Pakistan is a vital part of getting the right outcomes in Afghanistan."
Pakistan's tribal regions along its 2400-km border with Afghanistan have been described by the US as a safe haven for Taliban and Al Qaida elements.
Pak interested in buying military equipment from Australia-Pakistan-World-The Times of India
The request for military gear was made during a visit here by Australian Defence Force chief Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, who was also asked to provide a range of security equipment used by the Australian security and immigration officials.
Pakistan also made a request to Houston for training its security personnel in counter-terrorism techniques, Australia's The Age newspaper reported.
Houston said Pakistani armed forces officers were particularly keen to obtain the Scan Eagle pilot less reconnaissance aircraft built in Australia by Boeing.
The tiny aircraft is fitted with cameras that can be used by night or day and has proven successful when used by Australian troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Houston said that because Afghanistan is landlocked, Australia relies heavily on sea, air and land access through Pakistan for its troops and equipment deployed in that country. "For a long time, they've been a very important partner in our endeavours in Afghanistan," he said.
He said there could be great benefit in having Pakistan engaged with Australia's defence industries. "We think engagement with Pakistan is a vital part of getting the right outcomes in Afghanistan."
Pakistan's tribal regions along its 2400-km border with Afghanistan have been described by the US as a safe haven for Taliban and Al Qaida elements.
Pak interested in buying military equipment from Australia-Pakistan-World-The Times of India
