Pakistan to get refurbished warship from US: PTI

Islamabad, Oct 19 (PTI) Pakistan will receive a refurbished warship from the United States for being a "major non-NATO ally", a special status which allows it to receive surplus defence equipment from the American armed forces.

President George W Bush signed an order on Friday enabling Pakistan to receive the multi-purpose frigate USS McInerney. The US Congress had approved the transfer on September 27.

Since the warship is 32-years-old, Pakistan has asked for it to be refurbished at a cost of USD 65 million. The overhaul will include the fitting of an anti-submarine missile system, modern guns and other weapons.

Though equipment received from the US under the excess defence article (EDA) arrangement are free, Pakistan will have to bear the expenses for the refurbishing. The Pakistan Navy is expected to receive the frigate in August 2010.

The US recently completed the delivery of 14 refurbished F-16 jets to Pakistan under the EDA arrangement.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan to get refurbished warship from US: PTI