The following is the internal link discussing upgrades.
http://www.defence.pk/forums/naval-forces/57076-alamgir-class-frigate.html
There seems to be a lot of confusion on the FFG-7's Pakistan is receiving from the U.S. starting this August. I have found an article dated April 26, 2010 that seems to clarify what upgrades are taking place. And Pakistan's intended purpose of them. Contrary to what most people believe including myself. They are intended as an anti-submarine Platform. They are refered to as "Alamgir Class". And Pakistan is looking to obtain 8 of them.
Perrys for Pakistan: USS McInerney & the Alamgir Class
26-Apr-2010 14:08 EDT
Perrys for Pakistan: USS McInerney & the Alamgir Class
On Feb 19/10, the US DSCA announced Pakistans official request to buy the Oliver Hazard Perry Class frigate USS McInerney [FFG 8], plus refurbishment and anti-submarine improvements. That deal is now a contract, and is reportedly the first step in an 8-ship purchase.
In 2009, USS McInerney trialed the naval MQ-8B Fire Scout helicopter UAV in counter-drug operations around the Caribbean, and became the first navy ship to use unmanned helicopters in a drug bust. Its one member of a popular but declining ship class
Pakistans Perrys: The Alamgir Class
Oliver Hazard Perry Class frigates still serve with the US Navy, but American ships have had their bow-mounted Mk.13 launch systems for SM-1 Standard air defense and RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles removed. Those changes leave just torpedoes and a 76mm naval gun for offense, and the 20mm Phalanx CIWS as the ships main defensive weapon.
Further reports indicate that McInerneys refurbishments are aimed at improving its anti-submarine capability only, making the term guided missile frigate something of a misnomer. Unless Pakistan undertakes additional approved work, its Alamgir Class will be anti-submarine frigates only, their weaponry outclassed by Pakistans new Chinese F-22P/ Zulfiquar Class multi-role frigates, and even its older British Type 21/ Tariq Class ships. On the other hand, the 8 planned ships will be filling an important coastal patrol and anti-submarine role, at a bargain price.
Perry class frigates also serve in the navies of Australia, Egypt, Poland, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey. Most of those ships retain their original missile launching systems, and Australias ships have just finished an expensive set of deep upgrades.
Contracts and Key Events
Aug 31/10: The frigate USS McInerney is slated for inactivation, and re-commissioning.
April 20/10: Pakistan signs a contract to purchase and refurbish the USS McInnery. The purchase is free, but reported terms for the refurbishment vary from $64.77 $78.0 million. The frigate is expected to be re-commissioned as PNS Alamgir on Aug 31/10, following refurbishments aimed at improving its anti-submarine capabilities.
Pakistans Defence Procurement Attache Captain Abdur Rehman reportedly inked the contract, and this is reportedly the first of a planned Pakistani fleet of 8 Perry Class frigates.
Feb 19/10: US DSCA announces [PDF] Pakistans official request for the initial ship, plus plus refurbishment, onboard spares, spare and repairs parts, support equipment, publications and technical data, and U.S. Government and contractor support.
The prime contractor is unknown at this time, but the estimated cost of the initial transfer plus refurbishment and support is $78 million. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any U.S. Government and contractor representatives to Pakistan.
