BRASILIA, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian Defense Minister Nelson Jobim confirmed Thursday that the country's first nuclear submarine jointly built by Brazil and France would be sent to water in 2021.

    Jobim told the parliament that though the Brazilian nuclear-driven submarine would be equipped with conventional weapons, it would considerably enhance the deterrent force of the Brazilian navy.

    Under the agreement signed by the two countries, France was to provide the core nuclear technologies about naval vessels to Brazil, which would help Brazil improve its R&D and production capabilities, Jobim added.