US approves sale of night vision equipment to Pakistan

WASHINGTON: The United States has approved the sale of night vision infrared target sight system to Pakistan.

According to a statement issued by the US Defense Department, a contract worth $151 million has been awarded to the arms giant Lockheed Martin Corp.

The accumulative cost would increase to $284.6 million as the government of Pakistan will pay about 12 percent of the total cost through an arrangement under the Foreign Military Sales programme.

The contract deal will support the Target Sight System on the AH 1Z Cobra attack helicopters which have been effective in the ongoing operation against militants particularly in difficult terrain.

The TSS is third generation large-aperture forward looking infrared sensor with a laser designator turret. It provides the capability to identify targets at maximum weapon range  in day, night or adverse weather conditions.

The contract is expected to be completed by January 2022.