BEIJING (Reuters) – The Pakistan Navy is set to induct its first Chinese-designed Hangor-class submarine into active service next year, the country’s naval chief revealed in an interview with Chinese state media. The milestone marks a major advancement in Islamabad’s long-standing defense partnership with Beijing, while also strengthening China’s strategic foothold in the Indian Ocean region.
$5 Billion Deal for Eight Submarines by 2028
Under a $5 billion agreement, Pakistan will receive eight Hangor-class diesel-electric attack submarines by 2028 — a deal described by Admiral Naveed Ashraf as “progressing smoothly.” Speaking to the Global Times, the admiral said the new submarines will significantly enhance Pakistan’s ability to safeguard its maritime interests and conduct extended patrols in the North Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean.
J-10 vs Rafale: A Flashpoint in Regional Air Power Dynamics
The update comes months after a confrontation in May, when Pakistan’s Air Force used Chinese-made J-10 fighter jets to down an Indian Rafale aircraft, built by France. The incident surprised defense analysts and reignited debates over the performance and reliability of Chinese versus Western defense systems.
Local Assembly to Boost Pakistan’s Naval Industry
According to the agreement, the first four submarines will be constructed in China, while the remaining four will be assembled in Pakistan, aiming to expand local expertise and technical capacity. So far, three submarines have already been launched into China’s Yangtze River from a shipyard in Hubei province.
Admiral Ashraf Lauds Chinese Equipment and Future Tech Focus
Admiral Ashraf praised the reliability and performance of Chinese equipment, noting that Chinese-origin platforms have proven technologically advanced and well-suited to Pakistan’s operational environment. He added that the Navy is now prioritizing next-generation technologies such as artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and advanced electronic warfare capabilities — areas in which collaboration with China continues to deepen.
China Remains Pakistan’s Top Defense Supplier
Pakistan remains one of China’s largest defense partners, accounting for over 60% of Chinese arms exports between 2020 and 2024, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
Strategic Expansion and Regional Impact
Beyond arms cooperation, Beijing has poured billions into expanding its connectivity to the Arabian Sea through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) — a 3,000 km network linking China’s Xinjiang region to Gwadar Port in Pakistan. The initiative, a central element of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road strategy, provides China with a direct energy route from the Middle East, bypassing the potentially vulnerable Straits of Malacca between Malaysia and Indonesia.
CPEC and China’s Expanding Regional Influence
CPEC also enhances China’s strategic reach into Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia, while extending influence around India’s periphery through strong ties with Myanmar’s military regime and Bangladesh.
India’s Submarine Fleet and Strategic Posture
India currently operates three indigenous nuclear-powered submarines and multiple classes of diesel-electric attack submarines developed in collaboration with France, Germany, and Russia.
A Deepening Strategic Partnership Beyond Hardware
“This cooperation with China extends well beyond hardware,” Admiral Ashraf said. “It represents shared strategic interests, deep trust, and a partnership built over decades. In the years ahead, we expect greater collaboration in shipbuilding, joint training, interoperability, and advanced research.”
With additional input from Reuters
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