Islamabad to construct nuclear submarine

Islamabad, Sep 8: Pakistan has acquired the capability of developing its own nuclear submarine, a media report claimed today.

''Pakistani scientists and the engineers have developed indigenous technology for building the nuclear submarines at the existing facilities,'' The News reported.

This capability will strengthen the naval defence of the country.

President Gen Pervez Musharraf will discuss this matter with Chinese President Hu Jintao during his visit here in November this year.

Pakistan started exploring alternative sources and strategies to bridge the wide gap with India in conventional and strategic weapons/forces to sustain its independence and sovereignty.

The gap was widening due to the US's tilt towards India as compared to Pakistan. According to a military comparison, Indo-Pak conventional and strategic asymmetries until now are not primarily in favour of Pakistan.

The country has already inducted three French origin Agosta-90B submarines in its naval fleet while efforts were underway to commission at least four F-22P Chinese made frigates in the navy with first ship entering the service by 2008.

Over the years, the navy also acquired capability to indigenously manufacture small submarines, known as midgets, mine hunters, missile boats hoover craft and constructed the third Agosta with local expertise under supervision of the DCN, the manufacturer company of the Agostas.

UNI