The Pakistan Navy plans to induct in 2026 the first Hangor-class submarines developed under a cooperation program with China. This was confirmed by Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of Naval Staff of Pakistan, in an interview with Global Times, where he stated that the project “is progressing satisfactorily” and that the recent launching of the second and third submarines at Chinese shipyards represents “an important milestone in naval collaboration between China and Pakistan.”
The contract for the construction of eight conventional submarines was signed in 2015. According to the agreement, the first four units would be built in China by Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd., located in Wuhan Province, while the remaining four would be produced at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Ltd. in Pakistan, under a technology transfer program.
The project seeks to replace the current Agosta-class submarine fleet, incorporated between the 1970s and 1990s. The new units, based on the Chinese Type 039B design, will provide greater attack capabilities and stealth, strengthening Pakistan’s maritime defense.
In August 2025, the Pakistan Navy announced the launching of the third Hangor-class submarine during a ceremony held in Wuhan, Hubei Province. The event was attended by Vice Admiral Abdul Samad, Deputy Chief of Project 2 of the Pakistan Naval Staff, who emphasized that these units “provide the Navy with a critical capability to maintain the regional balance of power” and expressed gratitude to China for its “steady progress” in the program’s construction.
According to the bilateral plan, Pakistan will receive all eight units between 2022 and 2028. The first was launched in April 2024, followed by two more during 2025. The first batch of submarines built in Pakistan is expected to enter service by mid-2026.
Admiral Ashraf noted that the Hangor program “not only strengthens our submarine capabilities” but also promotes self-reliance through technology transfer and the development of local expertise at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works. “This project reflects the professionalism and close cooperation in naval equipment between China and Pakistan,” he affirmed.
In addition to the Hangor program, Ashraf highlighted progress in other joint projects, such as the Type 054A/P frigates, which are already operational in the Pakistan Navy. According to the naval chief, these ships “are among the most advanced surface combatants” and have enhanced the fleet’s air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime surveillance capabilities.
The naval forces of both countries maintain a high level of cooperation, with joint exercises such as the Sea Guardians series, focused on counterterrorism, anti-piracy operations, at-sea replenishment, and search and rescue. “These activities demonstrate our shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the region,” Ashraf stated.
Regarding future cooperation, the admiral said that the relationship between both navies is based on “friendship, mutual respect, trust, and shared strategic interests,” and that in the coming years, expansion is expected toward interoperability, joint research, and the development of advanced technologies, including unmanned systems and artificial intelligence.
“China has been a reliable partner in the modernization process of the Pakistan Navy,” Ashraf concluded, emphasizing that the introduction of the new frigates and submarines “has significantly enhanced the operational reach, multidomain combat capabilities, and deterrence posture” of his country.
*Illustrative images.
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