During the course of last week, the Pakistani Navy announced that the launching ceremony of the third of its new Hangor-class submarines was carried out, which is being built in China by taking advantage of the close defense ties between both countries. In this way, the institution reaches a new milestone in its naval capabilities modernization program, following the launch of the second unit of the class in March of this same year and marking the path for the construction of the five remaining submarines that will make up the fleet.
Expanding in detail, it can be mentioned that the ceremony in question was held last Thursday in the Chinese city of Wuhan, located in Hubei province. Among the various authorities who took part, the presence of Vice Admiral Abdul Samad, Deputy Chief of the so-called Project 2 of the Pakistani Naval Staff, stands out. In his speech, he emphasized that the new Hangor-class submarines provide his country’s Navy with a fundamental capability to maintain the regional balance of power, clearly pointing towards India, while also thanking China for its constant progress with the construction of the units.
It should be recalled that the agreement reached between Beijing and Islamabad foresees the construction of a total of eight Hangor-class submarines, of which four would be produced in Chinese shipyards and another four in Pakistani territory thanks to a technology transfer program; this through Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Ltd. In this way, the Pakistani Navy would have sufficient means to advance in replacing its oldest Agosta-class units, which were incorporated in the 1970s and 1990s.
In addition, it is important to highlight that China has already showcased one of the Hangor-class submarines during sea trials in June, indicating a potential induction into service in the near future. Meanwhile, construction in Pakistan has also taken its first steps with the building of the two initial units under its responsibility, with the keel-laying ceremony of the second submarine taking place in February 2024.
As for technical characteristics, it should be noted that both China and Pakistan have maintained significant secrecy, with it currently known that these submarines measure about 76 meters in length and displace around 2,800 tons. They are believed to be based on the Type 039A diesel-electric submarines operated by the People’s Liberation Army Navy, although the exact differences remain unknown beyond the slightly greater displacement of the Pakistani Hangors.
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