Article Posted on : - Sep 06, 2012

The P-3 Orion aircraft. A Lockheed photo

KARACHI (PTI): A P3C Orion long-range surveillance aircraft supplied by the US was inducted into the Pakistan Navy Wednesday, with officials saying the plane would help in safeguarding the country's maritime interests.

The aircraft, supplied by the US under its Security Assistance Programme, was inducted into the Pakistan Navy's aviation fleet during a ceremony held in Karachi.

Naval chief Admiral M Asif Sandila, who was the chief guest, said the aircraft was a potent platform and will help in maintaining protracted vigil over sea and safeguarding maritime interests.

Capacity building is essential to ensure security in the north Arabian Sea and to keep sea routes safe, he said.

Emphasising the importance of the north Arabian Sea, Sandila reiterated the Pakistan Navy's resolve to remain part of the multi-national force present in the region and off the Somali coast.

The induction ceremony was also attended by US officials.