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PN inducts P3C maritime patrol aircraft in its aviation fleet

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KARACHI: Pakistan Navy (PN) on Wednesday inducted another P3C long-range maritime patrol aircraft in its aviation fleet, received from USA under Security Assistance Programme.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Asif Sandila was the chief guest at the ceremony, which was also attended by PN and US officials.

According to a PN spokesperson the P3C aircraft, being a potent air platform, will assist in maintaining protracted vigil over sea to meet legitimate defence needs while safeguarding maritime interests of Pakistan. Capacity building of PN is essential to ensure security in North Arabian Sea and keep sea routes safe for maritime community, he stated in a press release.

During the induction ceremony, Admiral Sandila praised the efforts undertaken in enhancing of PN's capabilities and operational readiness.

Emphasising the importance of North Arabian Sea and capacity building of PN, which is essential to ensure security in North Arabian Sea and keep sea routes safe for maritime community, he reiterated PN's resolve to remain part of multi-national force present in North Arabian Sea and off Somali coast. He added that despite resource constraints, global community regularly tasks PN ships, aircrafts and personnel as part of ongoing efforts.

Admiral Sandila urged the fleet to ensure smooth integration and full operationalisation of the aircraft in an early time frame.

End.