Turkish firm STM to modernise Pakistan Navy’s Agosta 90B submarines
Turkey-based STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret has won an international tender to modernise Agosta 90B air-independent propulsion (AIP) powered submarines from the Pakistani Naval Forces.
STM has won the tender after competing against French company DCNS, which originally designed and built the submarines.
The company was found to be technically and commercially superior during the evaluation process, and has been selected as the main contractor for the upgrade programme.
"The modernisation work on the submarines will take place at a local shipyard in Pakistan."
The contract, which was signed between Pakistan's Ministry of Defence Production and STM, covers modernisation work on one submarine, and includes options for two more vessels.
The modernisation work on the submarines will take place at a local shipyard in Pakistan, with the first submarine scheduled to be delivered in 45 months.
The other vessels are estimated to undergo modernisation with an interval of one year in-between the upgrade work on each of the submarines.
The three DCNS-built Agosta 90B submarines of the Pakistani Navy were first ordered in September 1994.
With a capacity to accommodate a crew size of up to 36, the submarines are equipped with Subtics fully integrated combat system, four bow 533mm torpedo tubes, Thales DR-3000U radar warning receiver and Thales Underwater Systems TSM 223 sonar suite.
The submarines are also in service with the French and Spanish navies.
Image: Representatives from STM and Pakistan Defence during the signing of the contract. Photo: courtesy of STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret AS.