Shadow drones offered to Pakistan by US Officials
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Shadow drones offered to Pakistan by US Officials
WASHINGTON - The Obama administration has agreed to provide Pakistan with unmanned spy drones, granting a longstanding request as it seeks new ways to persuade a key ally to do more to fight militant groups within its borders
Defense officials said Washington would provide Pakistan with 12 unarmed Shadow aircraft. While the Shadow drones do not have missile capabilities to strike the targets they observe, they nonetheless represent an advancement in the growing U.S. military relationship with Pakistan.
Shadows, with a 14 foot wingspan, are smaller than Predators. But they have a longer "loiter" time and greater range than the drones Pakistan currently operates.
Gates extended the offer as the Obama administration tries to convince Islamabad to expand a military offensive to extremist groups that most concern U.S. officials.
"We have quite an array" of resources and equipment to offer, Gates said. "But it is the Pakistanis who have their foot on the accelerator, not us, and so we have to do that in a way that's comfortable for them."
Defense officials said Washington would provide Pakistan with 12 unarmed Shadow aircraft. While the Shadow drones do not have missile capabilities to strike the targets they observe, they nonetheless represent an advancement in the growing U.S. military relationship with Pakistan.
Shadows, with a 14 foot wingspan, are smaller than Predators. But they have a longer "loiter" time and greater range than the drones Pakistan currently operates.
Gates extended the offer as the Obama administration tries to convince Islamabad to expand a military offensive to extremist groups that most concern U.S. officials.
"We have quite an array" of resources and equipment to offer, Gates said. "But it is the Pakistanis who have their foot on the accelerator, not us, and so we have to do that in a way that's comfortable for them."
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