US to sell thermal weapon sights to Pakistan

WASHINGTON: The US is poised to sell state of the art thermal weapon sights and spares to Pakistan, in the wake of Obama administration's decision to provide eight F-16 fighter jets and nine AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters worth $170 million to the country.

The Pentagon yesterday awarded a $17 million contract to Raytheon for supply of state of the art thermal weapon sights and spares which improve targeting and surveillance capabilities by enabling soldiers to spot targets at long distances through haze, dust, fog and other obscurants.

Raytheon is known as a pioneer in thermal weapons sights.

The Pentagon yesterday said Raytheon has been awarded a $17,877,938 firm-fixed-price, foreign military sales contract (Pakistan) for thermal weapon sights and spares, training, and contract data requirements lists.

One bid was solicited with one received.

Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas; and Pakistan, with an estimated completion date of October 30, 2017.

Fiscal 2010 other procurement funds in the amount of $17,877,938 were obligated at the time of the award, the statement said.