Pak Army gets fleet of Cobra choppers

LAHORE: The United States on Tuesday handed over a fleet of modern AH-1 Cobra helicopters to Pakistan, which has been inducted in the Army Aviation, a private channel reported on Tuesday. A squadron consists of 14 to 16 helicopters.

The channel quoted its sources as saying that such helicopters are being being used by the Jordanian Armed Forces. The US will also fund $75 million to upgrade the helicopters currently being used by the Pakistan Armed Forces.

Cobra helicopters were used in operation Rahe Nijat and the new additions will provide much-needed help and firepower to the army, especially in the upcoming operation in Orakzai Agency.

Cobra helicopters can fly at an altitude of 11,400 feet and can be used effectively for night-time operations. Each Cobra helicopter is equipped with two 7.62 mm multi-barrel guns, two 40 mm guns and grenade launchers, while 70 mm rockets can be attached to it.