BEIJING: The Pakistan Navy expects to commission its first Chinese-designed Hangor-class submarine next year, marking a major step in Islamabad’s expanding defense partnership with Beijing. The development strengthens China’s strategic foothold in the Indian Ocean as both nations seek to counter regional rival India.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Pakistan’s naval chief, told China’s Global Times that the $5 billion deal for eight submarines was “progressing smoothly.” The submarines, he said, would enhance Pakistan’s surveillance and deterrence capabilities across the North Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Under the agreement, the first four diesel-electric attack submarines are being built in China, while the remaining four will be assembled in Pakistan, boosting the country’s shipbuilding expertise. Three submarines have already been launched into the Yangtze River from a shipyard in Hubei province, according to Chinese media reports.
Ashraf praised the reliability and advanced design of Chinese platforms, noting they were well-suited to Pakistan Navy’s operational needs. He added that the navy was increasingly focusing on emerging technologies, including unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, and advanced electronic warfare — areas in which further cooperation with China was being explored.
The submarine deal comes amid deepening military ties between Islamabad and Beijing. In May, Pakistan’s air force used Chinese-made J-10 fighter jets to shoot down an Indian Rafale aircraft, a clash that reignited debate over the performance of Chinese versus Western-made weaponry.
Pakistan remains China’s largest defense client, accounting for more than 60% of Beijing’s total arms exports between 2020 and 2024, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
