Pakistan seeks coastal patrol cutters from U.S.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Pakistan is seeking to buy eight Global Response Cutters from the United States through the Foreign Military Sales program to safeguard its coastal areas.

The U.S. Defense and Security Cooperation Agency, in its required FMS notification to Congress, said the $350 million package deal for the GRC43M cutters would include associated equipment and support.

Among those items are eight 25mm or 30mm naval gun Systems, 32 M2-HB .50 caliber machine guns, 32 7.62mm guns, rigid inflatable boats, ballistic/armor protection of critical spaces, command-and-control equipment, communication equipment and navigation gear.

"This sale will enhance Pakistan's ability to enforce the rule of law over its coastal areas to safeguard seaborne energy corridors, deter the outbreak of piracy along the north Arabian Sea, and curtail the trafficking of narcotics and other illicit goods," the agency said.

"These vessels provide the Pakistan Navy with the capability for medium to long endurance coverage of its 660 miles of coastline."

The GRC43M cutters Pakistan seeks are mono-hull boats, about 141 feet in length and made of glass-reinforced plastic.

The principal contractor for the deal would be Westport Shipyards, which is located in Port Angeles, Wash.