June 11, 2006:
Pakistan is buying 130 more U.S. Harpoon anti-ship missiles. They want the latest (Block II) versions. They want fifty of the submarine launched versions, fifty surface (ship) launched and thirty air launched. Pakistan is already using the earlier versions of Harpoon, but the latest version is more accurate, and has software and sensors that enable it to hit ships near the shore or in port. That is, ships in "busy" environments, where the terminal guidance system must be able to pick out the ship from all manner of other clutter. With training, spare parts and accessories, Pakistan will be paying about $2.8 million per missile. The most likely targets are Indian ships, preferably in port, in some future war or crises situation.