PNS Khalid Handed Over To The Pakistan Naval Forces After Modernisation

STM Defense Technologies Engineering and Trade Inc., one of the leading companies in the Turkish defense industry, reached another important milestone as the second Agosta 90B class submarine PNS Khalid was delivered to the Pakistan Navy Command with a ceremony. The first submarine of the project, the PNS Hamza was delivered on April 21, 2021.

STM won the tender for the submarine modernization project in 2016. This was the first time that a Turkish company was modernizing a naval vessel, not in service of the Turkish Navy. The tender, which initially included the semi-life modernization of one Agosta 90B class submarine, was later expanded to include the modernization of the second and third submarines. As part of the modernization, various sensor and weapon systems are updated with the latest technology systems, particularly systems assembled and integrated by STM.

The original sonar suites, periscope systems, information distribution systems, command and control systems, radars, and ESM re replaced as part of the modernization. Additional features beyond the current capabilities of the submarines were also gained during the modernization. The project, systems from many local and domestic companies such as ASELSAN and HAVELSAN were also exported as part of the project. All necessary structural repairs related to the submarine and materials used are also certified by DNV (Det Norske Veritas), an international classification organization.

The project is being carried out at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works in Pakistan, with engineering, design, materials, training, documentation, and technical support provided by STM.