KARACHI, Jan 14: The second conventional Agosta 90B submarine, PNS Saad, currently undergoing sea trials, is expected to be commissioned in the Pakistan Navy in March this year, a senior Naval official told newsmen here on Tuesday.
During a media orientation visit to the Pakistan Navy Dockyard, newsmen from across the country were not only informed about the strides the PN had made in acquiring technology and skills in the construction of state-of-the art submarines with French assistance, but were also briefed on the capability and resolve to ward off the threat of the blockade of Pakistani territory by the enemy.
The PN officials claimed that if the enemy tried to blockade Pakistani ports or sea lanes, it would take the war to the enemy area.
It was emphasised that offensive operation was a very important task for the PN and it was in a position to exploit the enemy’s weakness and vulnerabilities and take the war to the enemy’s area.
It was also stated that in order to augment surface ship capability, Pakistan was continuing negotiations with China for the F-22 P frigates.
The journalists were shown various stages of the under-construction third Agosta 90B submarine, PNS Hamza, besides being taken on board the second Agosta 90B which is undergoing sea trials. The briefing was conducted by the deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Iftekhar Rao, Commander of Logistics Rear Admiral Farooq Rashid, Commodore Ali Hussain and others.
The 67.57-meter-long platform would be equipped with SM-39 Exocet missiles and wire guided torpedo. Another special feature of this tube is the MESMA AIP system which gives an edge to Pakistan’s submarine capability amid rapidly evolving security environment in the region.
Agosta 90B submarines were tested and better equipped with conventional platform than the Scorpion type French submarines being acquired by the Indian Navy.
The US $1.2 billion agreement for the construction of three Agosta 90B submarines was signed with DCNI of France in September 1994. The first one completely built in France, joined the PN fleet as PNS/M Khalid in Dec 1999.
For the second submarine only three pressure-hull sections were built in France. Rest of the fabrication and complete outfitting was being done in Pakistan.
The third submarine is being completely built in Pakistan except the Forward and Aft conical sections and the MESMA Air Independent Propulsion System.
Newsmen were also told that as per the contract construction of Agosta 90B for a third country was also possible after mutual agreement with DCN.
PNS Saad was at present finishing the phase-III and the third one was at end of phase-I and in the beginning of phase-II.
PNS SAAD will carry out static dive in the sea on Jan 17 followed by P-dive, performed to go deep into the sea to test accuracy of the pressure hull and other gadgetries some time in February.
“The third submarine will be commissioned in the Navy by March 2006,” Commodore S.M. Ali said.
Referring to the growing Indian maritime threat, Rear Admiral Rao said that Pakistan Navy was fully capable of defending the country’s territorial waters and maritime interests.
The Indians, he said, were well on their way to reestablishing sea-based nuclear capability both from submarines as well as ships. Their nuclear capable sea-based missiles development and the ATV (Nuclear submarine) programme was a clear indication of that. Their carrier programme, including purchase of ADM Groshkov and the programme to build their own carrier was aimed at enhancing their power projection and offensive operations capabilities, he said.
“Their surface ship programme, including the procurement of heavily-loaded KRIVAK class and indigenous construction programme, was for reinsuring sea control, if not the command of the sea.
“The advanced corvettes/MBs etc were aimed at littoral warfare such as coastal defence and sneak attacks against Pakistan. Their massive maritime fighter capability coupled with the upcoming AEW & C capability was aimed at ensuring air supremacy or at least favourable at situation for maritime operations.”
With this background, he said, probably now was the time for Pakistan to ponder about its maritime awareness and interests, adding that 97 per cent of the country’s trade was carried through the sea.
“The daily national requirement of all POL items is 43835.616 metric tons. To ensure uninterrupted flow of this vital supply, we need a balanced and strong navy.
“But even before the war, in the tension period, we will need to have visible and credible naval force at sea to protect our interests and avoid heavy economic losses,” Rear Admiral Rao said.
