WASHINGTON, July 16 (Reuters) - The U.S. Defense Department on Tuesday told lawmakers it had approved the sale to Pakistan, a key ally in the U.S. war on terrorism, of six C130E Hercules cargo aircraft valued at $75 million.
Congress has 30 days to block the sale, although such a move is considered unlikely.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees foreign arms sales, said the proposed weapons deal would contribute to U.S. national security by improving the security of "a friendly country which has been and continues to be an important force for economic progress in South Asia."
Pakistan requested the six used cargo aircraft, as well as several engine and aircraft upgrades, spare parts and personnel training, to remedy a current and long-term airlift shortfall, and to better support the U.S. war in neighboring Afghanistan, the agency said.
The planes are built by Bethesda, Maryland-based Lockheed Martin Corp.
It said the sale would not affect the basic military balance in the region, which has been racked by escalating tensions sparked by a bloody Islamic separatist revolt in India's Muslim-majority Kashmir state.
The United States and Britain have been engaged in shuttle diplomacy to defuse tensions between Pakistan and India, both nuclear powers, encouraging the two nations to engage in dialogue over Kashmir's future.
The Pentagon has drawn a systematic plan to re-equip Pakistan's armed forces as a reward for Pakistan's support for war on terrorism. It plans to fulfill Pakistan's wish list which includes F-16 fighters, warships, artillery, missiles, helicopters and other military hardware.
In April, the United States said it planned to sell India eight sophisticated radar systems worth up to $146 million if all options are exercised.
07/16/02 19:43 ET
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