Agosta 90-B (Hamza) being commissioned

[IceCold]

I dont think the deal will be signed soon for the subs anyways, if they do, they wont cross 3 at max.

I think the requirement for now is of 3 to 4 subs replacing the older Agosta in the PN fleet. So if the contract is indeed signed, it wouldnt be a cut off order as the initial requirment of replacing the older Agosta will fulfilled.

 

[Introvert]

Every possible needs of Navy to be met: PM Gilani
Saturday, September 27, 2008
KARACHI: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that he remains committed to meeting every requirement of Pakistan Navy to the extent possible to adequately equip it for the discharge of duty.

“Inshallah you will never feel wanting in the required funding for meeting your defence needs”, he remarked while speaking as the chief guest at the commissioning ceremony of submarine Hamza at Pakistan Navy Dockyard here on Friday evening.

The Prime Minister congratulated the group of engineers, workmen and crew of submarine Hamza for this fine achievement.

On the occasion, he also announced a cash award of Rs 10 million to the proud workmen of the Agosta 90B project in recognition of their efforts.
Referring to the induction of submarine Hamza, the Prime Minister said today is indeed a great day for Pakistan as the first-ever indigenously constructed Agosta 90B fitted with MESMA Propulsion System is being commissioned in Pakistan Navy.

PM Gilani said he feels honored to be here on this historic occasion.

Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said this event is an important landmark for Pakistan as the third Agosta 90B class submarine Hamza is joining the Pakistan Navy fleet.

He said the induction of this submarine will certainly give Pakistan Navy a qualitative edge over her adversary as the MESMA System greatly enhances the under water endurance of the Submarine.

The Prime Minister said we are grateful to the Government of France for its steadfast support in the Agosta project leading to the transfer of this important technology to our country.

He commended the wonderful job done by all the members of the French team of engineers, technicians and workers alongside their Pakistani counterparts to make this project a success.

Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani also paid reverence to those 11 French engineers and technicians involved in this project who lost their lives in May 2002 in a terrorist attack.

He said we will always honour and revere their sacrifices and he also conveyed heartfelt condolences to their grieved families and sympathies to those who were injured in that heinous incident.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that Pakistan greatly values its very cordial, multi-faceted relations with France and particularly considers France as one of its most important partners in the defence cooperation field.

He said Pakistan Air Force with the largest fleet of Mirage 3 and 5 and now Pakistan Navy with Agosta submarines are among the main users of French military assistance.

Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said Pakistan would like to further strengthen these ties as well as our bilateral cooperation with France in trade, economic and investment fields.

He welcomed French President Sarkozy’s desire for building long-term multi-dimensional relationship with Pakistan and hoped that both sides will make tangible progress towards this mutually shared goal during his forthcoming visit to Pakistan in the near future.

The Prime Minister said that by the grace of Almighty Allah Pakistan has joined the ranks of those nations who have the capability to construct modern submarines.

He was confident that the successful completion of submarine Hamza will strengthen our confidence in the capability of our engineers and workmen who have always come up to the expectations of the nation.

The Prime Minister said indigenization especially of the defence products has been the consistent policy of the government and added that we are pursuing this objective vigorously.

Every possible needs of Navy to be met: PM Gilani - GEO.tv

 

[fatman17]

the boat goes for intensive sea trials /training of crew to validate its weapons, sensors, propulsion system etc.
Good Luck to PN on successful commissioning of the boat.

 

[fatman17]

Pakistan Navy gets Agosta submarine

Source: OUR STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI - 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 (AIP) system, which enhanced its ability to remain, submerged for extended duration thus increasing the threat potential against the enemy.

The commissioning ceremony was held at PN Dockyard here on Friday. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani graced the occasion as chief guest. Chief of Naval staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir and a number of senior naval officers, foreign delegates, representatives of DCN France and civil dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan Navy in recent years has exhibit deep commitment for achieving self reliance is 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 a quality 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 France 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 welcoming address, Commander Logistic Rea Admiral Bakhtiar Mohsin highlighted salient features of Agosta 90-B submarine construction project. He appraised that in September 1994, a contract was signed with DCN of France to build three Agosta class submarine.

As per the contract, the first submarine was completely built in France and joined PN fleet in December 1999 as MNS/M KHALID. The second submarine was launched on 24th August 2002 and was commissioned as MNS/M SAAD on 12th 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.

The Nation | The Nation is the most credible of English Newspapers in Pakistan.

 

[EagleEyes]

What Baazi posted is what the official stand point is. There are economic difficulties, but they are not something like an earth quake.

 

[Mansoor A Qureshi]

Guys i need to know about MESMA

Anyone please...............

Regards

 

[fatman17]

As per the contract, the first submarine was completely built in France and joined PN fleet in December 1999 as MNS/M KHALID. The second submarine was launched on 24th August 2002 and was commissioned as MNS/M SAAD on 12th 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.

it has taken 14 yrs from signing of contract to fullfill delivery of the 3-boats along with infrastructure development. nearly 5 years per boat. if this is a normal time-line, then expect the next 3 boats (which ever they are) to be fully delivered by 2024 assuming that the contract is signed in the beginning of 2010.

 

[Jliu]

Pakistan Navy gets Agosta submarine

Source: OUR STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI - 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 (AIP) system, which enhanced its ability to remain, submerged for extended duration thus increasing the threat potential against the enemy.

The commissioning ceremony was held at PN Dockyard here on Friday. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani graced the occasion as chief guest. Chief of Naval staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir and a number of senior naval officers, foreign delegates, representatives of DCN France and civil dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan Navy in recent years has exhibit deep commitment for achieving self reliance is 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 a quality 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 France 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 welcoming address, Commander Logistic Rea Admiral Bakhtiar Mohsin highlighted salient features of Agosta 90-B submarine construction project. He appraised that in September 1994, a contract was signed with DCN of France to build three Agosta class submarine.

As per the contract, the first submarine was completely built in France and joined PN fleet in December 1999 as MNS/M KHALID. The second submarine was launched on 24th August 2002 and was commissioned as MNS/M SAAD on 12th 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.

The Nation | The Nation is the most credible of English Newspapers in Pakistan.

My Congratulations to the Pakistani Navy. A worthy effort by all.

 

[Jliu]

Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan Navy in recent years has exhibit deep commitment for achieving self reliance is 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 a quality edge over the adversary, he added.

Gilani is quite the French fan.

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.

Most certainly though the Swedes run a close second with a potential deal for the three Gotlands in the next 3-6 years.

He also appreciated the efforts and commitment of both Pakistan and France 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 welcoming address, Commander Logistic Rea Admiral Bakhtiar Mohsin highlighted salient features of Agosta 90-B submarine construction project. He appraised that in September 1994, a contract was signed with DCN of France to build three Agosta class submarine.

As per the contract, the first submarine was completely built in France and joined PN fleet in December 1999 as MNS/M KHALID. The second submarine was launched on 24th August 2002 and was commissioned as MNS/M SAAD on 12th 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.

The Nation | The Nation is the most credible of English Newspapers in Pakistan.

When preparing and gathering information for Euronaval one learns that:

1. The Marlin concept is dead unless the PN or Brazilian Navy explicitly requests it.

2. The SMX-21/23 design concepts are very much in vogue and definitely worth a look at.

 

[fatman17]

Most certainly though the Swedes run a close second with a potential deal for the three Gotlands in the next 3-6 years.

Jliu - pls expand on this - many thanks.

 

[Jliu]

Most certainly though the Swedes run a close second with a potential deal for the three Gotlands in the next 3-6 years.

Jliu - pls expand on this - many thanks.

This is a 'hot' item on the DESI watch and we're keeping an eye on it. In the next 3-6 years as the remaining two Sodermanlands will most likely be sold to Singapore. To cover the costs of 4-6 A26 unless more funding is given to the Swedish armed forces there will be more fire sales of platforms including surplus Gripen A/B and probably these three boats in roughly that timeframe. Likely buyers are Poland and possibly Pakistan if the PN forks out the cash. As I've said, there are many options out there if the right amount is given.

Now if Sweden was willing to sell 5-6 Erieye AEWC (which to us defence professionals are clearly offensive weapons) as defensive platforms then ask yourself why would they not sell SSKs or even Gripens (although the JF-17 is already planned to fill the role)?

Personally I would advocate this option for the PN because it would immediately shore up the PN's undersea capability expontentially and increase deterrent value v the IN with an option for A26 in the future. Cons are relative lack of endurance (though more than the SMX-23 design), unlikely ToT will be forthcoming for license build and is likely to be comparitively expensive (~900 million) for full refit and onsale in addition to strict conditions and anti-tamper (anti-Chinese snooping) devices being fitted. The US may not approve of the transfer of a boat that managed to evade two LAs from what I've heard and take a hull shot of the Reagan. Regardless, I'd like to see these boats flying the PN jack simply because they are one of the best designs out there and very fitting for PN submariners.

 

[fatman17]

ASIA PACIFIC
Date Posted: 30-Sep-2008

Jane's Defence Weekly

Pakistan commissions AIP-equipped Agosta 90B

Jon Rosamond JNI Editor - London

Pakistan has become the first nation bordering the Indian Ocean to acquire an air-independent propulsion (AIP) submarine capability.

PNS/M Hamza , the country's third and final Khalid-class (Agosta 90B) attack submarine, was accepted into service by the Pakistan Navy on 26 September, some nine months behind schedule.

Hamza was built at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works under the supervision of French shipbuilder DCNS and launched in August 2006. At that time, commissioning was anticipated in December 2007.

Unlike the first two boats in the class, it is fitted with a 200 kW MESMA liquid oxygen AIP system that quadruples the submerged endurance at 4 kt. The new machinery required an 8.6 m extension to the original 67.6 m-long hull and dived displacement was also increased, from 1,760 tons to 1,980 tons.

Pakistan ordered the three Agosta 90Bs in September 1994 under a technology transfer arrangement. The non-AIP first-of-class, PNS/M Khalid , was built by DCNS in Cherbourg and commissioned in September 1999. Boat 2, PNS/M Saad , was assembled in Karachi from parts manufactured in France and commissioned in December 2003.

The technology transfer deal saw a team of 300 Pakistani engineers and technicians trained in France, with 600 additional industry personnel trained subsequently in Pakistan.

The first two submarines will be retrofitted with AIP when they enter their refit periods, which are expected to take place in 2011 and 2012 respectively, with both boats returning to service a year later. Each AIP upgrade is expected to cost about USD50 million per unit.

All three submarines are equipped with the SM 39 Exocet surface-to-surface missile, capable of hitting targets out to 27 n miles, and the ECAN F17P Mod 2 torpedo.

In October 2005, India - which is Pakistan's main rival in the Indian Ocean region - signed a contract with DCNS for the licensed production of six Scorpene submarines in Mumbai. Although the first two boats will not be AIP-equipped, follow-on units could feature the high-endurance MESMA system.

Jane's Login

 

[fatman17]

This is a 'hot' item on the DESI watch and we're keeping an eye on it. In the next 3-6 years as the remaining two Sodermanlands will most likely be sold to Singapore. To cover the costs of 4-6 A26 unless more funding is given to the Swedish armed forces there will be more fire sales of platforms including surplus Gripen A/B and probably these three boats in roughly that timeframe. Likely buyers are Poland and possibly Pakistan if the PN forks out the cash. As I've said, there are many options out there if the right amount is given.

Now if Sweden was willing to sell 5-6 Erieye AEWC (which to us defence professionals are clearly offensive weapons) as defensive platforms then ask yourself why would they not sell SSKs or even Gripens (although the JF-17 is already planned to fill the role)?

Personally I would advocate this option for the PN because it would immediately shore up the PN's undersea capability expontentially and increase deterrent value v the IN with an option for A26 in the future. Cons are relative lack of endurance (though more than the SMX-23 design), unlikely ToT will be forthcoming for license build and is likely to be comparitively expensive (~900 million) for full refit and onsale in addition to strict conditions and anti-tamper (anti-Chinese snooping) devices being fitted. The US may not approve of the transfer of a boat that managed to evade two LAs from what I've heard and take a hull shot of the Reagan. Regardless, I'd like to see these boats flying the PN jack simply because they are one of the best designs out there and very fitting for PN submariners.

why please?