Indigenous submarine's launch today

Pakistan will launch today its first indigenously built Agosta 90-B submarine, which is equipped with most modern command and control and weapons system, the Pakistan navy said.

The submarine, capable of launching anti-ship missiles and various torpedoes, will remain on trial for at least six to seven months before being commissioned in navy, a spokesman said.

"The induction of this new submarine in Pakistan navy fleet will help maintain peace and stability in this volatile region by deterring our main adversary from any kind of adventurism," a statement by the Pakistan navy said.

The launching of the submarine came at a time when tensions are running high between Pakistan and India. The two countries have amassed hundreds of thousands of troops on their borders in the biggest military build-up since 1971.

This is the second Agosta type submarine being inducted in the Pakistan navy. The first one, built in France, was commissioned in September 1999.

Pakistan made a deal with France for the purchase of three Agostas out of which two are to be built in the country, the navy statement said. The purpose of the deal was to acquire indigenous submarine construction capabilities, it added.

The third Agosta will be launched in 2004, a navy spokesman said.

"The submarine construction programme is going on schedule," he said.

In May, a deadly car bombing killed 11 French technicians working on the Agosta project in Pakistan.

Suspected militants are believed to be behind the bombing, which was seen as jeopardising the French-backed submarine project. But France said that it won't pull back its experts from Pakistan.

French experts have trained several Pakistani engineers and technicians in France and Pakistan. "Submarine construction is one of the most complex and sophisticated project attempted in Pakistan," the navy statement said.

"Launching of the second Agosta 90B submarine symbolises the eternal bond of friendship and time proven relationship of mutual trust and cooperation between France and Pakistan."

The Pakistan navy has successfully completed a number of ship construction projects including midget submarines.