Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Second Agosta submarine handed over to Pak Navy

IRNA

Islamabad, Dec 12, IRNA - Pakistan Navy was Friday handed over its 
second Agosta submarine Sa`ad during a ceremony in the Karachi port 
city, local media reported. 
The country`s first indigenously-built submarine which is 
capable of carrying missile defense system has been developed by 
the Pakistani engineers with French technical assistance in Karachi, 
according to a military statement. 
It is the second in the series of Khalid Class submarines. The 
first Agosta 90B submarine Khalid which was built in France was 
commissioned into Pakistan Navy in September 1999. 
Pakistan Navy joined the club of submarine operating nations in 
1964 when Ghazi, a fleet class submarine was acquired on lease from 
the US. 
Later years saw collaboration with France as Pakistan acquired 
Daphne and Agosta 70 class submarines in late 60s and 70s. 
Agosta 90B class submarines are substantial improvement of older 
Agosta 70 class submarines. The submarine has the capability to carry 
and lay sea mines. 
Pakistan expects that the launch of the project will allow it to 
join the global market of defense industries for provision of 
military hardware at competitive rates. 
Effective marketing is likely to attract regional navies opting 
for acquisition of submarines and could significantly boost country`s 
defense exports, said the statement. 
TSH/213 
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