Navy inducts P3C aircraft to its aviation fleet
By Our Staff Reporter | 9/6/2012
KARACHI, Sept 5: Pakistan Navy (PN) on Wednesday inducted into its aviation fleet another P3C long-range maritime patrol aircraft received from the US under the security assistance programme.
The P3C is the same aircraft type that was destroyed in a terrorist attack on the PNS Mehran Base on May 22, 2011. At the time two aircraft parked in the base hangers were damaged in the fire while one was completely destroyed. The ones damaged were later repaired.
The P3C aircraft, being a potent air platform, assists in maintaining protracted vigil over the sea to meet legitimate defence needs while safeguarding Pakistan`s maritime interests, according to a PN handout.
At the induction ceremony, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral M. Asif Sandila, the chief guest on the occasion, praised the efforts undertaken in enhancing PN capabilities and operational readiness.
Highlighting the importance of North Arabian Sea and capacity building of the PN, he said that it was essential to ensure security in the North Arabian Sea and keep sea routes safe for maritime community. He reiterated PN`s resolve to remain part of a multi-national force present in the North Arabian Sea and off the Somali coast.
DAWN
Although initially embargoed, Pakistan eventually took delivery of an initial three P3Cs which entered service in 1999, although one of them was lost on October 29, 1999. The type was grounded soon afterwards and the two survivors remained in storage for some years, but were refurbished and returned to service in 2006-7.
The aircraft inducted yesterday is the last of seven additional ex-USN P3Cs that are being delivered, the first two of which were delivered in 2007, whilst the next pair was formally inducted into service on June 1, 2010, followed by two more on February 21, 2012. A terrorist attack by militants at PNS Mehran on May 22, 2012, however resulted in the destruction of two of the Orions on the ground.
Delivered; 3 + 7 = 10
In service; 2+5 = 7
Attrition; 1+2 = 3