Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan Navy in recent years has exhibited deep commitment for achieving self-reliance in support of the government policies and the indigenous construction of Agosta 90-B submarines and future ships programme is a testimony to the professional competence and skills of our guardians.
Addressing the commissioning ceremony of submarine Hamza, the 2nd indigenously built Agosta 90B, held at PN Dockyard here on Friday, the Prime Minister said that the induction of Submarine Hamza would certainly give Pakistan Navy a qualitative edge over the adversary.
A number of senior naval officers, foreign delegates, representatives of DON France and civil dignitaries were also present on the occasion. Expressing his gratitude to the government of France for its support in this transfer of technology project, the Prime Minister said commissioning of submarine Hamza signifies close co-operation between the two great nations. He also appreciated the efforts and commitment of both Pakistan and French team of engineers, technicians and workers in making the project a success.
Pakistan Navy has taken yet another major step on the road to self-reliance by inducting the 2nd indigenously built Agosta class submarine Hamza in its fleet. The submarine is the first ever conventional submarine in the world equipped with MESMA, an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, which enhances its ability to remain submerged for extended duration thus increasing the threat potential against the enemy.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir in his address congratulated the officers and men of submarine construction department and DON France personnel for their excellent performance towards fulfilment of this milestone.
In his welcome address, Commander Logistics Rear Admiral Bakhtiar Mohsin highlighted salient features of Agosta 90-B submarine construction project. He apprised that in September 1994 a contract was signed with DCNI of France to build three Agosta class submarines. As per the contract, the first submarine was completely built in France and joined PN fleet in December 1999 as PNS/M KHALID. The second submarine was launched on 24th August 2002 and was commissioned as PNS/M SAAD on December 12, 2003. He said that the third and the last submarine of this series 'HAMZA' was completely built in Pakistan envisaging the maximum transfer of technology.
Submarine Hamza is the most advanced version of Agosta design. It is 76 meters long and weighs around 2,000 tonnes. Its range is 10,000 nautical miles and can remain at sea continuously for 60 days. It is equipped with the state of the art combat system ie SUBTICS (Submarine Tactical Integrated Combat System). It is capable of firing SM-39 Exocet missile and wire guided torpedoes.
The Agosta 90-B project is a golden chapter in the history of Pakistan as we are now among the very few nations of the world who are capable of constructing these complex platforms. The project has also brought a new culture of project management quality control and engineering practices in Pakistan Navy. Success of this project has provided us the skills, infrastructure and given us tremendous confidence to continue construction of submarines for our future operational and strategic needs.
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