Pakistan has signed a deal with Italy-based aerospace giant Leonardo-Finmeccanica for purchasing an undisclosed number of helicopters for search and rescue operations.
The contract for the AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters was signed in Islamabad in the presence of Italy’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Stefano Pontecorvo.
The Express Tribune reported that the contract is part of a fleet renewal programme spread over several batches, and includes a logistic support and training package.
Pakistan already operates 11 AW139 helicopters, which have 15 seats. The helicopters will be used for search and rescue duties from 2017.
The choppers are currently being used by over 35 countries in various roles including high-altitude rescues.
The company has found itself in the midst of controversy in India for allegedly bribing the members of the UPA government to bag a Rs 3,400 crore deal for itself.
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(With PTI inputs)
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