France: Malaysia's ambitious plans to have a submarine fleet to enhance the nation's defence capabilities is bearing fruition, with the launch of its first submarine.

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said, the Scorpene class submarine to be delivered in 2009 will significantly expand the country's naval capabilities and usher the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) into a new era of development and progress.

"It is crucial for Malaysia to have a small but credible and effective naval force not only to safeguard its sovereignity and maritime interests against any eventuality but more importantly to contribute to the maritime security and safety in the region," he said during the launch function at the DCN shipyard here yesterday.

The submarine named "KD Tunku Abdul Rahman" is 67.5-metre-long vessel and is equipped with torpedoes, sub-surface-to-surface missiles and sea mines.

Manned by only a 31-member crew, the electricity and diesel-powered Scorpene submarine is capable of operating in 350-metre deep water for 40 days at a time.

Malaysia had ordered two new Scorpene submarines at a cost of $1 billion in 2002. The submarines are to be jointly built by French shipbuilders Defence Conseil National and its Spanish partner, Navantia.

The second submarine, to be named "KD Tun Razak", is expected to be handed over in October 2009 and arrive in the country by March 2010.

Source : PTI