Turkey’s STM Delivers 2nd Upgraded Agosta 90B-Class Submarine To Pakistan Navy

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STM, which has exported Türkiye’s first and only submarine modernization project to date, has completed the modernization of the second AGOSTA 90B Class submarine owned by Pakistan, equipping it with modern and state of the art systems, and has delivered it to the Pakistan Navy on 26 January.

The second submarine, PNS/M KHALID (S-137), was delivered to Pakistan Naval Forces Command at a ceremony held, marking the latest step in the project to modernize three AGOSTA 90B class submarines of Pakistan Naval Forces Command by STM. STM delivered PNS/M HAMZA (S-139), the first submarine in the project, to Pakistan Naval Forces Command on 29 April 2021.

Third submarine next in line

STM is continuing work in Pakistan with a view to completing the modernization of the third and last submarine on schedule.

STM was awarded the submarine modernization contract in 2016, paving the way for the exportation for the first time of Turkish engineering products in the highly advanced technological field of submarines. The contract for the mid-life upgrade of a single Agosta 90B class submarine was later expanded to include the modernization of the second and third submarines. Under the modernization project, various sensor and weapon systems are being upgraded, involving the integration of state-of-the-art systems that have been installed and integrated by STM.

The submarines’ sonar suites, periscopes, command and control systems, naval data distribution system, converters, steering control system, chilled water system and radar & electronic support systems are all being replaced, and systems produced by numerous indigenous and national companies, including ASELSAN and HAVELSAN are also being exported under the scope of the Project. All hull-related structural modifications, materials and workmanship activities carried out on the submarines under the modernization project have been certified by the international classification society DNV (Dat Nordske Veritas). The project is continuing at the PN Dockyard Shipyard of the Pakistan Navy using local workmanship of PN Dockyard , where engineering, design, material, documentation, training  and technical support is being provided by STM.

The first Agosta 90B Class Submarine PNS/M HAMZA (S-139), modernized by STM for the Pakistan Navy, participated in the SEASPARK-2022 Tactical Exercise, during which it successfully fired a torpedo and sank a decommissioned frigate.