The federal government has approved an amendment to its agreement with Italian company Leonardo Helicopter Division (LHD), incorporating a clause prohibiting the re-export of helicopters to Russia. The decision was made as part of a revised Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) governing the maintenance and repair of AW-139 helicopters used by Pakistan’s 6-Aviation Squadron.
According to a news report, the Cabinet Division, which oversees a fleet of six AW-139 helicopters for relief operations and VIP transport, signed the BOA with Leonardo in 2011.
The agreement, extended multiple times, remains valid until June 14, 2025. To streamline payments and update contractual terms, both parties agreed to revisions, including the addition of a new clause, “no re-export to Russia,” in line with the European Union’s policies.
Before finalising the amendment, the government sought input from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which raised no objections from a political standpoint. The International Dispute Unit (IDU) within the Attorney General’s Office also reviewed the proposal and approved the clause’s inclusion. Following these consultations, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the Cabinet Division to obtain formal approval from the federal cabinet.
After brief deliberations, the cabinet gave the green light to Amendment No. 2 of the BOA, formally incorporating the restriction. The updated agreement ensures continued collaboration between Pakistan and Leonardo for maintaining the country’s helicopter fleet while aligning with international regulatory requirements.
