It is the first of seven refurbished C-130Hs, tactical transport aircraft decommissioned by Belgium, that are supposed to be delivered to the Pakistan Air Force.
A simulator for the aircraft had been installed in 2012, but could not be used for training because IAF & manufacturer couldn’t finalise a usage contract.
Why should the US care? Because in the end, as its wrangle with Britain this week should have reminded them, America still needs bases, friendly ports, & overfly rights.
Multiple companies have invoked the principle of ‘force majeure’, which lets a party off the hook in case of unforeseen ‘acts of God’, to avoid penalties.
IRIS Lavan was in the region for the International Fleet Review held last month and ‘sought urgent docking in Kochi citing technical issues,’ it is learnt.
Trump has ushered in the age of humiliation. His method is to push around America’s friends rudely and publicly. He knows none of them can afford to fight back.
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