M A I N   N E W S

Pak to counter Phalcon threat

Karachi, October 11
Pakistan today accused India of raising a threat to its security by agreeing to buy advanced Israeli airborne radar systems — Phalcon — and said it would take steps to keep a balance between the two nuclear powers. But Pakistan said it did not seek an arms race with its south Asian rival, which could use the new systems to look deep into its territory.

India and Israel signed their biggest arms deal yesterday with New Delhi agreeing to buy strategic airborne radar systems it hopes will boost its military edge over rival Pakistan.

“Balance is absolutely essential for peace,” Foreign Minister Khursheed Mahmood Kasuri told reporters here.

“Pakistan will take all possible measures to counter the threat posed by the advanced weapons acquired by India.” He gave no details.

The Israeli-made Phalcon radar will be mounted on Russian IL-76 aircraft in a deal estimated to be worth more than $1 billion.

The Phalcon can pick up aircraft, including those flying at low altitude, hundreds of kilometres away in any weather, day or night. It can also intercept and decode radio transmissions, anticipating in many cases the weaponry an enemy might deploy.

Mr Kasuri said Pakistan had conveyed its deep concerns to leaders of the USA and several other countries. — Reuters