Over the past decades, the People’s Republic of China and Pakistan have deepened their diplomatic ties, which have expanded into other areas of cooperation. In the military sphere, the Pakistani Armed Forces have renewed parts of their tank, fighter jet, and surface vessel fleets with Chinese-designed and -manufactured systems, many of which have also been built under license in Pakistan. However, one of the most notable developments is the construction of new Hangor-class attack submarines to enhance the Pakistan Navy’s underwater capabilities.
With an eye on the future and the necessary modernization of its submarine fleet—which currently consists of Agosta-class units acquired in the 1970s (Agosta 70) and 1990s (Agosta 90B)—the Pakistan Navy launched two parallel initiatives. The first involved the modernization of the Agosta 90B submarines in partnership with companies from Turkey’s defense industry. To date, work has been completed on two units—HAMZA (S-139) and PNS/M KHALID (S-137)—while it remains unclear whether the third unit will also undergo similar upgrades.
The second initiative, a result of Pakistan’s partnership with China, is based on a program to acquire a total of eight (8) Type 039B attack submarines. Designated as the Hangor-class, four of these submarines will be built by the Chinese shipyard Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd., while the remaining four will be built locally at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Ltd.
Although the contract was signed in 2015, the program has faced delays. The original delivery schedule spanned from 2022 to 2028. As of now, the first submarine—and lead vessel of the class—was launched in 2024, while the Pakistani shipyard is in the early stages of constructing the first two units. As reported last year, in February, the Pakistan Navy held a keel-laying ceremony for the second unit.
Meanwhile, Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd., located in Wuhan province, has completed the launch of the second submarine of the class built in China, during an official ceremony held at Shuangliu Naval Base. This submarine has been officially named PNS/M SHUSHUK.
In its official statement, the Pakistan Navy noted: “The Vice Chief of Naval Staff highlighted the importance of maritime security in the current geostrategic environment of the region, as well as the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to safeguarding national interests and ensuring a secure and favorable maritime environment for all. He emphasized that the Hangor-class submarines, equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, will play a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of power and maritime order in the region.”
Regarding the characteristics and capabilities of the class, few details have been disclosed about the Hangor-class or how it differs from the Type 039B. It is presumably an export version of the Chinese submarine, measuring 76 meters in length with a displacement of 2,800 tons.
Cover photo used for illustrative purposes – credits to respective owner.
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