China has delivered a second Hangor-class submarine to Pakistan, further strengthening the naval capabilities of its close ally amid growing Chinese influence in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. The submarine, equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, was launched in Wuhan, Hubei Province, on March 16, as part of a $5 billion deal for eight such vessels, Chinese state media reported on Sunday.
The Hangor class is an export version of China’s 039A submarine. It has a crew of 38 and eight spaces for special forces troops. It is equipped with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.
Under the agreement, four submarines will be built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed in Karachi under a transfer of technology (ToT) program. The Pakistan Navy stated that the Hangor-class submarines are armed with cutting-edge weapons and sensors, enabling them to engage targets at standoff ranges. The first of these submarines was launched in April 2024.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami, the Pakistan Navy’s vice chief of naval staff, emphasized that the submarines would play a crucial role in maintaining regional maritime stability. He praised China’s contribution to the project and highlighted its significance in strengthening the long-standing strategic partnership between Pakistan and China.
The latest submarine delivery comes in addition to four modern naval frigates that China supplied to Pakistan in recent years, reflecting Beijing’s commitment to bolstering Pakistan’s naval strength. This aligns with China’s growing presence in the region, particularly at Gwadar Port in Balochistan.
Chinese military experts describe the Hangor-class submarine as a highly capable vessel with advanced underwater combat systems. Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the state-run Global Times that the submarine is equipped with an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, enhancing its stealth, endurance, and manoeuvrability. Its armament includes torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, mine-laying capabilities, and sophisticated underwater detection systems.
The continued military cooperation between China and Pakistan underscores their strategic alignment, with the Hangor-class submarines expected to become a key asset in Pakistan’s naval fleet.
Team BharatShakti
