The Pakistan Navy will increase its fleet by adding the US Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS McInerney, set for inactivation by the US Navy in 2010.

The 30-year old frigate will receive refurbish work worth $65m, which will include the renovation of onboard anti-submarine missile defences and other weapons systems.

After formal entry into the Pakistan Navy, the ship will join Combined Task Force 151 to fight piracy in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.

The ship will be sent to US companies for any repairs or alterations in preparation for the transfer to Pakistan.

The transfer of the ship will be done through the US Navy’s International Programmes Office under the foreign military sales department.