Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, has confirmed that the first batch of Chinese-built Hangor-class submarines will be inducted into the Pakistan Navy in 2026, marking a major step in the country’s ongoing naval modernisation drive.
While speaking to Global Times, Admiral Ashraf said the submarine program is progressing smoothly. The prime objective of this program to boost Pakistan’s defence capabilities to protect Pakistan’s vast coastline and promote the initiative to become self-sustainable.
Pakistan and China jointly signed a landmark agreement in 2015 in which Pakistan will acquire eight Hangor-class submarines, four built in China and four constructed locally under a technology transfer arrangement.
Moreover, this deal marks Chinese biggest arms export deal amounting US 5 Billion dollars.
Furthermore, Admiral Ashraf noted that Chinese-origin platforms have proven reliable, advanced, and compatible with Pakistan Navy’s operational needs.
Pakistan reliance of Chinese arms in recent clash with India proves Chinese capabilities of producing high end defence materials coupled with the provisions of technology transfer agreement.
Naval analysts experienced in naval warfare noted that Hangor-class submarines will reshape the regional naval balance, challenging India’s dominance in the northern Arabian Sea. According to Liselotte Odgaard of the Hudson Institute, the new fleet will enhance Pakistan’s anti-access and area-denial capabilities.
Designed after China’s Type 039A (Yuan-class) model, the Hangor-class submarines feature air-independent propulsion, allowing them to remain submerged for up to three weeks and undertake missions lasting up to 60 days. The vessels are equipped with torpedo tubes capable of launching anti-ship and cruise missiles, giving Pakistan a second strike nuclear capability.
The program underscores Pakistan’s growing naval confidence in the Arabian sea providing strong deterrence towards India and China’s emergence as a key maritime defence partner.
