Mumbai, May 1: Pakistan has officially launched its first Chinese-built Hangor-class submarine, marking a significant expansion of its naval capabilities as tensions with India continue. This submarine is part of a larger deal involving eight submarines, aimed at enhancing Islamabad’s defense cooperation with Beijing.
The commissioning ceremony took place in the southern Chinese port of Sanya, attended by President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistani Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, among other senior officials. Zardari, who is currently on an official visit to China, hailed the event as a “historic milestone” for the Pakistan Navy.
The Hangor-class submarines are based on China’s Type 039A design and feature diesel-electric propulsion with air-independent capabilities. Each submarine can accommodate a crew of up to 38 and is armed with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles. Under a 2015 agreement valued at approximately $5 billion, four submarines will be constructed in China, while the remaining four will be built domestically in Pakistan.
Pakistan has historically viewed its submarine fleet as a crucial deterrent against India, with which it has fought three wars since 1947. The recent commissioning follows the use of Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets in combat during the 2025 conflict over Kashmir, where Pakistan claimed to have shot down Indian aircraft, a statement that remains unverified by New Delhi.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China constituted about 81% of Pakistan’s arms imports from 2020 to 2024, with joint projects including the Hangor submarines and the JF-17 fighter jet.
In response to Pakistan’s military advancements, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has accused Islamabad of supporting terrorism, asserting that New Delhi is prepared to counter any threats. While India has not officially commented on the submarine launch, its navy is reportedly monitoring China’s support for Pakistan’s naval capabilities and is actively working to enhance its own undersea fleet in light of Beijing’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
