While recent months and years have seen most attention focused on the development of air capabilities, the partnership between Pakistan and the People’s Republic of China has also expanded into other domains, including submarines. This is reflected in the ongoing construction of a series of eight new attack submarines intended to equip the Pakistan Navy, with the most recent milestone being the launch of the fourth unit built in China.
Officially designated by the Pakistan Navy as the Hangor class and based on the Type 039B design operated by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), these submarines are intended to replace the current Agosta-class boats, which, despite having undergone modernization with Turkish assistance, are now entering the final years of their service life.
Accordingly, as of today, the Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Ltd. shipyard, located in Wuhan, China, continues to make steady progress in the construction of the four submarines, with the launch of the most recent unit—named Ghazi—representing the latest milestone.
The information was confirmed today, December 17, by the Pakistan Navy itself, which highlighted that the four submarines built in China have already been launched and are undergoing navigation and systems trials, as well as being in various stages of construction and completion.
In this regard, the naval service’s statement is supported by the commencement of sea trials for the first two units of the series of four built in China, presumably the Hangor; meanwhile, the launch of Shushuk, Mangro, and the aforementioned Ghazi took place in March, August, and today, December 17, respectively.
Although no further details were provided, it is presumed that the three submarines mentioned above have either begun their navigation and systems trials or are, as stated in the official release, at various stages of completion prior to entering harbor and sea trials.
At the same time, as previously noted, progress is not limited to Chinese territory. Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Ltd. (KS&EW), responsible for the other batch of four submarines to be built locally in Pakistan, are also making headway. According to information released in early 2024, local shipyards had already begun construction of the first two Hangor-class submarines, the first of which has been designated Tasnim.
Finally, according to revised planning and schedules, the Pakistan Navy expects to receive and commission the first Hangor-class submarine into service during 2026.
About the Hangor-Class Attack Submarines
Presumably based on the Type 039B class—although some characteristics associated with the Type 039A are also listed—the construction of the Hangor-class submarines aims to renew Pakistan’s undersea warfare capabilities through the adoption of a new diesel-electric attack submarine platform. The limited official information available suggests that this is an export version of the Type 039B class, with a displacement of approximately 2,800 tons, a length of 76 meters, and an estimated beam of 8.4 meters.
In terms of propulsion, various sources indicate that the submarine would be equipped with an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, also suggesting that it would be powered by systems of Chinese origin, unlike the original S26 submarines, which were driven by MTU engines and were subject to third-party export restrictions.
Undoubtedly, the greatest unknown concerns the armament suite. It is speculated that the submarine will be capable of employing various types of torpedoes, as well as being equipped with submarine-launched anti-ship and land-attack missiles, including speculation about the development of a version of the Babur-3 cruise missile for deployment from this platform.
Cover photograph used for illustrative purposes.
You may also be interested in: As a result of its strategic partnership with China, Pakistan begins construction of its second Hangor-class submarine
