Pakistan has signed a contract with Italy-based aerospace giant, Leonardo-Finmeccanica for an undisclosed number of search and rescue helicopters.
In a statement released by aerospace company, it said the contract for the AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters was signed in Islamabad in the presence of Italy's Ambassador to Pakistan Stefano Pontecorvo, reports the Express Tribune.
The statement added that the contract was part of a fleet renewal programme spread over several batches and includes a logistic support and training packages.
The deliveries of the helicopters are expected to begin in 2017.
Pakistan reportedly already operates eleven AW139 helicopters, five of which are used by the government for civil protection and transport tasks.
The AW139 is a 15-seat medium-sized twin-engined helicopter used by some 38 countries in a variety of roles and has a service ceiling of around 20,000 feet which allows it to be used for high-altitude rescues.