Pakistan to get US guided-missile frigate on Aug 31
WASHINGTON: Pakistan and United States signed a contract for the transfer of the guided-missile frigate USS McInerney here on Tuesday.
The contract will enable Pakistan to take over the USS McInerney at the US Naval station Mayport, Florida on August 31 this year, after which it will be commissioned as PNS Alamgir .A comprehensive refurbishment of the ship will be undertaken under the supervision of US Navy, which will be completed by January 2011.
Defence Procurement AttachÈ Captain Abdur Rehman inked the contract on behalf of Pakistan Navy. The successful culmination of this contract will also pave way for acquisition of more vessels of same class for the Pakistan Navy to raise a squadron of eight Perry-Class frigates. This will greatly enhance operational readiness of Pakistan Navy.
USS McInerney is the second ship of the Oliver Hazard Perry-Class of guided-missile frigates. In September 2008, the US Congress had approved provision of the frigate to Pakistan with a delivery date of August 2010. Citing the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act, Pakistan is considered a major non-Nato ally and is able to receive older unneeded US military equipment. Additionally, the 32-year-old frigate will be given a $ 65 million refurbishment, including anti-submarine capability paid for with foreign military aid provided by the US to the friendly countries. Pakistan will pay $78 million for the frigate