In
1978 Pakistan contracted with France for
02 Agosta class submarines. These submarines
were basically built for South African Navy
but were withheld due arms sales embargo
by United Nations. These submarines were
smoothly and swiftly integrated in the Pakistan
Navy fleet in 1978-79. The 02 Agosta submarines
significantly increased Pakistan’s
maritime offensive defense capability due
their enhanced endurance, long underwater
detection ranges, over the horizon targeting
capability and increased firepower. The
linear towed array sonar has provided her
the flexibility to classify contacts at
extended ranges.
PNS/M HASHMAT. Pakistan Navy
Submarine HASHMAT was commissioned on 19
February 1979. She left France on 1 October
1979 and arrived in Pakistan on 30th of the
same month. Since its induction in the
Pakistan Navy, PNS/M HASHMAT has always been
an efficient unit of the squadron and the
Navy. She has actively participated in all
the major exercises at home and abroad.
PNS/M HURMAT. Pakistan Navy
Submarine HURMAT was commissioned on 18
February 1980. She left France on 11 August
and reached Pakistan on 13 September 1980.
She was efficiently integrated as the sister
submarine of HASHMAT and enhanced the war
potential of Pakistan Navy manifold. The
submarine has been deployed on various
national/international taskings.
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