PNS Hamza, the third submarine of the AGOSTA-90-B Class, built by Pakistani engineers and experts in collaboration with France, would be launched in August-2006 for a trial phase to be commissioned in Pakistan Navy in 2007. The first submarine of this series PNS-Khalid had been built in France, following an accord on the basis of Transfer of Technology (ToT) and then handed over to the Pakistan Navy in 1999, Commodore Shahid Saeed, Managing Director Submarine Construction Project, told the reporters. Similarly, PNS-Saad, the second submarine of this series was built in France and Pakistan and commissioned the Pakistan Navy in 2003. Saeed that PNS Hamza is in the final stages and would be launched by next month for necessary trials and commissioning in 2007. Giving specifications of the submarines, he said that in today's modern warfare, submarines play a very vital role and directly affect the outcome of the war. He said that the submarines by virtue of their stealth sustain endurance and lethality and have been considered to be one of the most potent fighting platforms at sea and the Pakistan Navy, since its birth in 1947, was quick to realise the importance of this technology. Saeed said that the submarine force had been started in year 1964 with acquisition of PNS/M Ghazi from the USA. In 1969-70 Pakistan Navy acquired three Daphne class submarines from France. Later in 1975, another Daphne class submarine and in 1980-81 two AGOSTA-70 class submarine were acquired. He said that in early 90s, when the need to acquire submarines arose, Pakistan Navy decided to construct the new submarines in Pakistan instead of acquiring on hot transfer basis. In this regard, in September 1994, Pakistan Ministry of Defence Production signed the contract for construction of three AGOSTA-90B submarines at PN Dockyard with DCN International, a company of France. The contract included a strong element of transfer of technology in a phased manner embedded in it. Saeed said that the central theme of transfer of technology is to acquire the most sensitive technology of pressure hull construction and outfitting of conventional submarines. The submarine being launched is the most advanced version of AGOSTA design. It is 76 metres long and weighs around 2000 tonnes. Its range is 10,000 nautical miles and can remain at sea for continuously 60 days. He said that submarine Hamza consists of 50 officers and men. It is equipped with state-of-the-art combat system, the Subtics (Submarine Tactical Integrated Combat System). This is capable of firing SM-39 Exocet Missile and wire guided torpedoes. The unique feature of this submarine is its Air Independent Propulsion (AIPP system, MESMA, making it capable of achieving greater underwater endurance and long range. The commodore said that Pakistan is the first country to use MESMA AIP system on board a combat ready submarine. Submarine Construction in Pakistan Navy is a continuation of the naval construction efforts, which started in Pakistan Navy Dockyard in 1971 for self-reliance and indigenisation. It includes construction of floating docks, missile boats, X-Craft submarines and MCMVs. PN Dockyard had 30 years of repair & maintenance experience of DAPHNE and AGOSTA 70 submarines prior undertaking Meta construction project of AGOSTA-90B submarines in 1994. He said that another benefit of this project is a changed quality culture and work methodology. ISO 9002 standard was awarded to PN Dockyard in Nov 1997, the first defence industrial setup to receive this prestigious certification. Presently PN Dockyard is certified to the requirements of ISO 9001-2000 Standard.
