KARACHI The Agosta 90B submarine Hamza was inducted into Pakistan Navy fleet on Friday.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani was the chief guest at the ceremony held here.

With this, Pakistan Navy has taken yet another major step on the road to self-reliance by inducting the second indigenously- built Agosta class submarine Hamza.

Hamza is the first ever conventional submarine in the world equipped with an Air Independent Propulsion (AlP) system, which enhances its ability to remain submerged for extended duration thus increasing the threat potential against the enemy.

The commissioning ceremony was held at Pakistan Navy Dockyard here.

Addressing the ceremony, the Prime Minister said  Pakistan Navy in recent years has exhibited deep commitment for achieving self-reliance in support of the governments policies.

The indigenous construction of Agosta 90-B submarines and future ships programme is a testimony of the professional competence and skills of our sea guardians.

The induction of submarine Hamza would certainly give Pakistan Navy a qualitative edge over the adversary, he added.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the government of France for their support in this transfer of technology project and said that commissioning of submarine Hamza signifies close cooperation between the two great nations.

He also appreciated the efforts and commitment of both the Pakistan and French team of engineers, technicians and workers in making the project a success.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir in his address congratulated the officers and men of Submarine Construction Department and DCN France personnel for their excellent performance towards fulfillment of this milestone.

In his welcome address Commander Logistics Rear Admiral Bakhtiar Mohsin highlighted the salient features of Agosta 90-B submarine construction project.

He apprised that in September 1994 a contract was signed with DCN 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 August 24, 2002 and was commissioned as PNS/M Saad.

He said the third and the last submarine of the series Hamza was completely built in Pakistan envisaging the maximum transfer of technology.

Submarine Hamza is the most advanced version of the Agosta design and it is 76 metres-long and weighs around 2000 tonnes. It has a range of 10,000 nautical miles and can remain in sea for 60 days.

The Agosta 90-B project has been termed as a golden chapter in the history of Pakistan.