Pakistan will have 8 Chinese Hangor submarines by 2030
Pakistan Navy’s capabilities will increase significantly with the addition of eight Hangor-class submarines by 2030.
The Hangor-class submarines are based on China’s Type 039A Yuan-class design, modified for export.
They feature: Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. This technology allows submarines to operate underwater for extended periods without surfacing, enhancing stealth and operational range.
Each submarine is also equipped with six torpedo tubes and capabilities to launch anti-ship missiles, including the Babur-3 subsonic cruise missile.
The subs are being built in collaboration with China. The deal includes four submarines to be built in China and four at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works under a technology transfer agreement.
The first of these submarines was launched in April 2024, with expectations for the fleet to be operational by early 2030s.
The integration of the Hangor-class submarines will increase Pakistan’s AIP-equipped submarine fleet to eleven.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of Naval Staff, emphasized that these submarines will significantly bolster Pakistan’s naval operations and deterrence capabilities against regional adversaries.
Pakistan’s acquisition of the Hangor-class submarines is seen as a strategic move to maintain a balance of power in the region with India.
Presently India lacks any AIP-equipped submarines. However by 2030 the six Indian Scorpean Submarines should be fitted with Indian Made AIPs.
The three additional Scorpeans which should start joining by 2031 will be fitted with AIP. Pakistan is now increasing its naval Parity with India quite desperately as India has been modernizing its fleet with advanced vessels.
The upcoming addition of the Hangor-class submarines represents a significant leap forward for the Pakistan Navy.
Therefore India Navy must go for a second and third construction lines for Conventional submarines.
Aim must be to make at least 8 new subs from these line by 2035 and ofcourse six coming from the first line (including three scorpens).
This will ensure 20 conventional submarines to the Indian Navy (the present HDW and Kilos all decommissioned).
May be India places an order of 8 more latest submarines on Russia too to ensure proper dominance of the Indian Ocean.
