US approves delivery of T-37 jet aircraft to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The US has approved the delivery of 20 T-37 refurbished jet trainer aircraft to Pakistan's air force.

The US government is providing the used aircraft free of cost to Pakistan, which will only have to bear the shipment costs. The delivery of the aircraft was authorised by the US administration yesterday.

Pakistan's Ambassador to the US, Husain Haqqani, has said the Pakistan Air Force had sent a formal request for the aircraft last year.

The T-37 twin engine trainer aircraft are from the US Air Force's inventory and are being refurbished before being supplied to Pakistan.

Earlier this week, the US released USD 116 million to finance mid-life upgrades for Pakistan's ageing fleet of F-16 fighter jets. The US is providing a total of USD 474 million to Pakistan for this purpose.

Pakistan has already received the first tranche of USD 108 million.

The US is also supplying 12 used F-16 jets to Pakistan for its role as a "major non-NATO ally".