INDUCTION CEREMONY-SUBMARINE HAMZA

Pakistan Navy has taken yet another major step on the road to self reliance by inducting the 2nd indigenously built Agosta class submarine HAMZA in its fleet. The submarine is the first ever conventional submarine in the world equipped with MESMA, 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 PN Dockyard today. Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani graced the occasion as chief guest. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir and a number of senior naval officers, foreign delegate, reps of DCN France and civil dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony, the guest said that Pakistan navy in recent years has exhibited deep commitment for achieving self reliance in support of the government 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 g 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 Pakistan and French team of engineers, technicians and workers in making the project a success.

Chief of 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 salient features of Agosta 90-8 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 24th August 2002 and was commissioned as PNS/M SAAD on 12 December 2003. He said that the third and .the last submarine of this series 'HAMZA' was completely built in Pakistan envisaging the maximum transfer of technology.

Submarine Hamza is the most advanced version of Agosta design. It is 76 meter long and weighs around 2000 tonnes. Its range is 10000 nautical miles and can remain at sea continuously for 60 days. It is equipped with the state of the art combat system Le SUBTICS (Submarine Tactical Integrated Combat System). It is capable of firing. SM-39 Exocet missile and wire guided torpedoes.

The Agosta 90-8 project is a golden chapter in the history of Pakistan as we are now among the very few nations of the world who are capable of constructing these complex platforms. The project has also brought a new- culture of project management, quality control and engineering practices in Pakistan Navy. Success of this project has provided us the skills, infrastructure and given us tremendous confidence to continue construction of submarine for our future operational and strategic needs.