Pakistan navy inducts submarine

Pakistan on Friday inducted its first locally built Agosta submarine into the navy.

Named PNS-Saad, the Agosta class 90B submarine, which is capable of firing medium range anti-ship Exocit missiles and torpedoes, was commissioned by President Pervez Musharraf at a ceremony at the southern port of Karachi.

"The induction of the Agosta submarine in the navy will strengthen our defence capabilities," Musharraf said.

With the induction of Saad, Pakistan has joined the list of 12 major countries that can manufacture submarines, he said.

It is the second submarine of the navy and was built with the help of French engineers at Karachi dock. The first Agosta 90B submarine named PNS-Khalid was commissioned in September 1999.