First batch of submarines under China-Pakistan cooperation project to enter service next year, says Pakistani naval chief

Defence affairs analysis - Global times - Liu Xuanzun and Bai Yunyi

The first batch of Hangor-class submarines under a China-Pakistan cooperation project is expected to enter operational service with the Pakistan Navy in 2026, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, chief of the Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy, told the Global Times in a recent exclusive interview.

He said that the Hangor-class submarine program is progressing smoothly, and that the successful launch of the second and third submarines in China earlier this year is a major milestone for naval collaboration between China and Pakistan.

Pakistan signed a contract with China to procure eight Hangor-class conventional submarines in 2015, with the first four to be constructed by China and the rest to be assembled by Pakistan, so as to improve Pakistan's technical capabilities, according to open reports. According to the plan, Pakistan will acquire eight advanced submarines between 2022 and 2028. The first Hangor-class conventionally powered submarine was launched in China in April 2024, while the second and third vessels were consecutively launched this year.

Ashraf spoke highly of this China-Pakistan cooperation project. He said that the project is not only significant for advancement of the Pakistan Navy's submarine force capabilities, but will also contribute toward self-reliance through transfer of technology and skill development at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works. It reflects professionalism and close naval equipment collaboration between China and Pakistan.

Besides the submarine project, the Type 054A/P frigates mark another major achievement in China-Pakistan naval equipment cooperation. This type of multirole frigates is already in service with the Pakistan Navy, with Ashraf saying that they are "among the most advanced surface combatants." 

He told the Global Times that these Chinese-made frigates have greatly strengthened the Pakistan Navy's multi-mission capability, particularly in air defense, anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance.

"These platforms are playing a key role in ensuring maritime security in the North Arabian Sea and the broader Indian Ocean region, which is critical for global economy," he said, noting that by securing vital sea lines of communication, including those linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Pakistan Navy is playing a significant role in sustaining trade, investment and economic activity that benefit not only Pakistan but the entire region.

Talking about the performance of Chinese-made equipment, Ashraf said that Chinese-origin platforms and equipment have been reliable, technologically advanced and well-suited to Pakistan Navy's operational requirements. He said that the Pakistan Navy's experience with them has been very positive, both in terms of performance and technical support.

As modern warfare evolves, emerging technologies such as unmanned systems, AI and advanced electronic warfare systems are becoming increasingly important. The Pakistan Navy is focusing on these technologies and exploring collaboration with China that has the leading industries in emerging technologies, Ashraf said.

In recent years, the navies of China and Pakistan have maintained frequent exchanges and cooperation. The two sides have conducted multiple joint exercises and training activities in China and Pakistan as well as at high seas. The content covers subjects such as joint counter-terrorism, anti-piracy, maritime replenishment, formation maneuvering, communication liaison, and joint search and rescue. In particular, the Sea Guardians series of exercises has become an important brand for joint naval exercises between the two countries.