The Pakistani Army has taken delivery of two Bell 412 EP helicopters from the US at Qasim Army Air Base near Rawalpindi as part of a military cooperation deal between the two countries.

The utility transport helicopters, valued at $24m for the pair, were bought by the US in support of the Pakistan’s counterinsurgency operations.

Pakistan has also received $20m from the US for associated spare parts, special tools and other equipment to support the aircraft.

US military aid to Pakistan in the last three years has increased to $4bn, which includes the delivery of 14 F-16 fighter aircraft, ten Mi-17 helicopters and more than 450 vehicles for Pakistani front-line forces.