EMBASSY ENDORESEMENT OF FY 2008 SECTION 1206

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 001657 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR MASS PGOV PK PREL SUBJECT: EMBASSY ENDORESEMENT OF FY 2008 SECTION 1206 PROPOSAL ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Post endorses CENTCOM/ODRP's FY 08 Section 1206 proposal for a $21 million helicopter sustainment program. These resources will fund a maintenance and sustainment program for Pakistan's U.S. origin helicopters. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (SBU) The FY 08 1206 proposal will enable Pakistan to improve the operational readiness rate (ORR) for its fleet of AH1-F Cobra attack helicopters and Bell 412 utility helicopters. The Pakistan Army Aviation Command requires immediate assistance with improving the ORR of their U.S. origin helicopters. These platforms are actively participating in the ongoing counter terrorism effort in the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA). The U.S. has the capacity to assist Pakistan in developing the essential tools needed to conduct and sustain aviation operations. ¶3. (SBU) The Pakistan Army has requested assistance from CDR USCENTCOM in the following five areas: 1) Spare parts, 2) Pilot and Maintenance Training, 3) Maintenance test equipment, 4) Training Assistance Teams, and 5) new publications. ¶4. (SBU) Post strongly endorses the above request and asks that it receive high priority for funding under DOD's Section 1206 authority in FY 2008. PATTERSON