KARACHI, Aug 23: The Pakistan Navy will launch its first indigenously built submarine on Saturday, a press release said.

The launching of this submarine symbolizes an important landmark in the acquisition of the Agosta 90B submarine, which is being indigenously built in Pakistan.

Construction of second Agosta 90B started in 1998, as part of the same contract under which DCN International of France had constructed one Agosta 90B at Cherbourg, France, while two are being built locally.

The submarine being launched is the second of the series — the first being the PNS/M Khalid, which was commissioned in September, 1999, and is operating successfully since then. The Agosta 90B has been named as a Khalid Class submarine.

The two submarines at present being constructed here would progressively replace a part of the submarine fleet.

The design of the Agosta 90B is similar to the proven Agosta, built by France in the 70s. The new Agostas have been fitted with modern command and control systems and weapon suites. These subs are capable of launching anti-ship missiles and various types of torpedoes.

The Navy’s Agosta 90B will be equipped with a 200kW MESMA installation. This air independent propulsion system will significantly increase submerged endurance of the vessel.

The first MESMA propulsion unit has been delivered and will be installed in the third of the three Agostas being built in Karachi.

The Agosta 90B has been designed for anti-submarine, anti-surface, intelligence gathering and sea patrol operations. —APP