US okays $1b arms sales; Pakistan to get Cobra helicopters

WASHINGTON: The U.S. Defense Department said on Friday it approved sales of radar and aircraft upgrades, missiles and other equipment valued at $1.01 billion to four U.S. allies including Pakistan.

The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said these U.S. allies are: Pakistan, France, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

The Pentagon said it had approved the sale of AH-1F Cobra helicopter refurbishment and associated equipment to Pakistan.

The Pentagon said the refurbishment would help Pakistan's efforts to defeat Taliban and al Qaeda fighters in its tribal areas, used as bases to launch attacks against U.S. troops in Afghanistan, and to conduct other counterterrorism missions.

The prime contractor will be US Helicopter in Ozark, Alabama.