Brazil's first nuclear submarine to enter waters in 2021

Brasilia: Brazilian defence minister, Nelson Jobim, confirmed Thursday that the country's first nuclear submarine, built jointly along with France, would enter waters in 2021.

Jobim told parliament the nuclear-powered sub would considerably enhance the deterrent force of the Brazilian navy, even though it would be equipped with conventional weapons.

A French N-sub

Under an agreement signed by both countries, France would also provide core nuclear technologies about naval vessels to Brazil, which would help the country boost its R&D and production capabilities, Jobim said.

Jobim also said Thursday that the country would build a total of five submarines by 2021 in partnership with France, of which one would be nuclear. The construction of the submarines would commence 2016.

Struck in late 2008, the agreement is due to be signed by Brazilian and French presidents at a ceremony on 7 September, Brazil's Independence Day.

Jobim stressed that technology transfer will be very important for certain sectors of the Brazilian industry, which will undergo an "unquestionable technological development."