Germany in talks with Pakistan over sale of three submarines
Berlin, April 21, IRNA
A German defense consortium is involved in talks with the Pakistani navy over the construction of three conventional submarines, the Berlin-based Neues Deutschland cited Friday a confidential document of the German Finance Ministry.
The German government is ready to vouch for the submarine deal with one billion euros.
The planned project is viewed as controversial among politicians in Berlin since the German constitution bars the sale of military equipment in crisis regions.
News reports said earlier that French and German defense firms are vying to sell Pakistan at least three new submarines, in a contract that could be worth up to 1.5 billion US dollars.
Islamabad is reported interested in acquiring the three new advanced versions of conventional submarines in a bid to increase its naval capabilities to meet any challenges from the rapidly expanding Indian navy, military experts say.
Pakistan and Germany have deepened military and security ties over the past years.
Germany has become the fourth country after the United States, Japan and Russia to begin a strategic dialogue with Pakistan.
There are regular political-military talks with Pakistan army officials on security and military issues which include counter- terrorism and training of Pakistani officers in Germany.
Pakistani officers have received military training and education trained in Germany in recent years as part of military education and training programs.
A 3,100-strong German force is part of the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) in neighboring Afghanistan.
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