U.S. Supplies Air Missiles to Pakistan : Weapons Intended for Defense Against Soviet, Afghan Attack

The United States has sent Pakistan portable anti-aircraft missiles and new air-to-air missiles to help defend against increasing attacks from Afghanistan by either Soviet or Afghan pilots, a White House spokesman said today.

The decision to send the portable missiles, known as Stingers, was made even though many in Congress are wary about the sale of such weapons abroad. The New York Times said 100 were involved.

White House spokesman Edward Djerijian said President Reagan recently approved “expedited delivery” of Sidewinder missiles previously on order “plus a number of the basic Stingers” along with technical support, which could include U.S. trainers.

Soviets Informed

“We have informed the Soviets of our decision in the context of our expressed concern about intrusions into Pakistani airspace and violation of territorial integrity by communist aircraft from Afghanistan,” Djerijian said.

Designed to be fired by a person holding the launcher on one shoulder, the Stingers are regarded as ideal weapons for terrorists seeking to down airliners.

Plans by the Administration to provide Jordan with Stingers have been repeatedly delayed because of congressional opposition. But last year President Reagan authorized the sale of Stingers to Saudi Arabia on an emergency basis, in response to threats to Saudi oil fields from Iran.

India Displeased

The Indian government has repeatedly expressed to Washington its unhappiness over the sale of advanced military equipment to Pakistan, arguing that such weapons were being sought by Pakistan not so much to defend against attacks from Afghanistan, but to prepare for possible conflict with India.

To avoid having to submit the Pakistan sale to Congress, the State Department limited the amount to $8.5 million. By law, only sales of more than $14 million need be sent to Congress for its scrutiny.

Under current legislation such projected sales are sent to Congress which has 30 days to study them, after which they are automatically approved unless both houses of Congress vote against them.

A recent Supreme Court decision has raised questions about such congressional vetoes, but the ability of Congress to block arms sales has not been challenged yet by the Administration.

In the last year, there have been nearly 100 attacks on Pakistan by Soviet-built aircraft based in Afghanistan, State Department officials said.