The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of global response cutters (GRC43M), support and associated equipment to Pakistan.
Under the estimated $350m FMS programme, Pakistan has requested eight GRC43M cutters, in addition to eight outfitted 25mm or 30mm naval gun systems, 32 M2-HB .50 calibre machine guns and 32 7.62mm guns.
The proposed package comprises eight 8m rigid inflatable boats, ballistic / armour protection of critical spaces, command and control equipment, communication equipment, navigation equipment, support equipment, spare and repair parts, tools, and test equipment.
Also included is technical data and publications, personnel training, US Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, as well as other associated elements of logistics and programme support.
Mainly aimed at improving Pakistan’s potential to implement the rule of law over coastal areas, the latest procurement will help protect seaborne energy corridors, disrupt piracy along the north Arabian Sea, and limit the trafficking of narcotics and other illegal goods.
The new vessels will also provide the Pakistan Navy with the potential for medium-to-long endurance coverage of 660 miles of coastline.
WSY in Port Angeles, Washington, US, has been named as the prime contractor for the FMS programme.
