DCNS2006-08-15 15:25:07
Last of three Agosta 90B submarines for Pakistan, launched
PNS Hamza, the last of three Agosta 90B submarines ordered from DCN by the Pakistan Navy, was launched today at an official ceremony in Karachi. Jean-Marie Poimbœuf, chairman and CEO of DCN, was a guest of honour along with official delegations from Pakistan and France.
The launch marks the completion of the construction phase of this three-submarine programme. In a few weeks' time, PNS Hamza will begin quay-side testing before going on to sea trials and formal commissioning into active service.
The contract signed by DCN and the Pakistan Navy in 1994 called for the delivery of three medium-size conventional submarines and a technology transfer package. The first boat, PNS Khalid, was built at DCN's Cherbourg shipyard and has been in operational service since 1999. The second, PNS Saad, which entered active service in 2003, was assembled in Karachi from hull sections produced in Cherbourg. PNS Hamza was produced in the same way as PNS Saad but from hull sections almost entirely fabricated in Karachi and is the only boat so far to feature the Mesma air independent propulsion (AIP) system offering significantly improved submerged endurance. PNS Khalid and Saad will receive Mesma upgrades in due course.
The success of this Agosta 90B programme testifies to DCN's expertise in technology transfers and excellent cooperation between France and Pakistan. Agosta 90B submarines carry a complement of 36 and are 76 m in length with the Mesma AIP, or 67 m without the AIP section.
Jean-Marie Poimbœuf, Chairman & CEO, said "I would like to take the opportunity of the launching of PNS/M HAMZA to appreciate the professional skill that SMC has shown in the construction of submarine and the quality of the work they have performed. We can be proud of the work we have performed together for now half a century, and I would like to stress how DCN values its relation with the Pakistan Navy."
PNS Hamza, the last of three Agosta 90B submarines ordered from DCN by the Pakistan Navy, was launched today at an official ceremony in Karachi. Jean-Marie Poimbœuf, chairman and CEO of DCN, was a guest of honour along with official delegations from Pakistan and France.
The launch marks the completion of the construction phase of this three-submarine programme. In a few weeks' time, PNS Hamza will begin quay-side testing before going on to sea trials and formal commissioning into active service.
The contract signed by DCN and the Pakistan Navy in 1994 called for the delivery of three medium-size conventional submarines and a technology transfer package. The first boat, PNS Khalid, was built at DCN's Cherbourg shipyard and has been in operational service since 1999. The second, PNS Saad, which entered active service in 2003, was assembled in Karachi from hull sections produced in Cherbourg. PNS Hamza was produced in the same way as PNS Saad but from hull sections almost entirely fabricated in Karachi and is the only boat so far to feature the Mesma air independent propulsion (AIP) system offering significantly improved submerged endurance. PNS Khalid and Saad will receive Mesma upgrades in due course.
The success of this Agosta 90B programme testifies to DCN's expertise in technology transfers and excellent cooperation between France and Pakistan. Agosta 90B submarines carry a complement of 36 and are 76 m in length with the Mesma AIP, or 67 m without the AIP section.
Jean-Marie Poimbœuf, Chairman & CEO, said "I would like to take the opportunity of the launching of PNS/M HAMZA to appreciate the professional skill that SMC has shown in the construction of submarine and the quality of the work they have performed. We can be proud of the work we have performed together for now half a century, and I would like to stress how DCN values its relation with the Pakistan Navy."
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