Pakistan thinking of buying Type 041 submarines
S-20. IHS Janes
The S-20 SSK was first offered at the IDEX 2013 arms show in the
UAE; it is a quiet 2,600 SSK capable of firing cruise missiles and
torpedoes, in addition to inserting special forces and mines. Pakistan's Chinese subs are likely to be based off the S-20 design.
The submarines are likely to be based of the Type 39B Yuan
SSK, of which the export version is designated the S-20.
The S-20
displaces about 2,300 tons, but air independent propulsion (AIP) is not
standard to the submarine. AIP a closed off propulsion system, like a
gas compression Stirling engine or fuel cells, that doesn't require a
separate oxygen supply It is a must have for modern SSKs, allowing them
to stay underwater for up to four weeks without using noisy snorkels to
recharge batteries (often SSK batteries have enough charge to last
several days at most).
Pakistan's S-20s are likely to have AIP since
its Agosta 90B submarines already have the technology; the PLAN's 12
Yuan SSKs all have sophisticated AIP systems.
Type 39C SSK. www.top81.cn
The Type 039C Yuan SSK is the latest Chinese conventional
submarine, launched in 2014. It features a redesigned conning tower, as
well as better sonar. The Yuan class's AIP system makes it China's
most capable conventional submarines.
Overall, Pakistan's 2015 naval plan calls for twelve
submarines.
The Pakistani Navy currently operates five French Agosta
submarines, with two of its Agosta 70s 40 years old and in need of
replacement soon.
Babur Cruise Missile. Pakistan Military Review
The Babur LACM has a range of 750-1000km, and is equipped for
both conventional and nuclear attack.
It is likely that it will form the basis of a submarine launched LACM, potentially giving Pakistan an underwater second strike nuclear capability.
It is likely that it will form the basis of a submarine launched LACM, potentially giving Pakistan an underwater second strike nuclear capability.
Such capabilities could prove quite important in any conventional war scenario in the region. In addition, Pakistan is working to modify its nuclear capable Babur land attack cruise missile for launch from its current Agosta 90B submarines, so the new S-20s would almost certainly also be designed to carry nuclear armed Babur missiles.
In addition to being able to launch nuclear strikes from previously inaccessible areas like the Bay of Bengal, an underwater nuclear deterrent would finally give Islamabad a credible second strike capability.
Post a Comment Blogger Facebook Disqus