Pakistan is gearing up to induct its first Chinese-built Hangor-class submarine into active naval service by 2026, marking a major milestone in the country’s growing defence partnership with China.
Speaking to China’s Global Times, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of Naval Staff, said that progress on the eight-submarine deal between Islamabad and Beijing was “proceeding smoothly.”
The project are valued at around $5 billion, will see the first four submarines built in China, while the remaining four will be assembled at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works to boost local expertise and self-reliance.
The Pakistan Navy recently celebrated the launch of the second and third submarines at a shipyard in Wuhan, China — an event attended by Vice Admiral Abdul Samad and other senior naval officials.
As per the Admiral Ashraf, these submarines will greatly enhance Pakistan’s undersea warfare capabilities and strengthen its deterrence posture in the North Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean region, which are extremely important maritime routes for global trade.
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He highlighted that cooperation with China had already borne fruit through the induction of Type 054A/P frigates, some of the most advanced surface combatants in the region. These multirole warships are equipped for air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime surveillance, have significantly upgraded the Navy’s operational readiness.
Admiral Ashraf has shown admiration to Chinese-origin military platforms for their reliability and cutting-edge technology. “They have proven well-suited to Pakistan Navy’s operational requirements,” he said, noting that China had also provided consistent technical support and training.
He added that the Navy is now exploring emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and electronic warfare tools — areas where collaboration with China continues to expand.
Pakistan remains one of closest defense partners of China, purchasing over 60 percent of Beijing’s total arms exports between 2020 and 2024.
Admiral Ashraf emphasized that the partnership is “built on deep-rooted friendship, mutual respect and shared strategic goals,” adding that both nations intending to make certain a stable maritime environment that supports peace and prosperity across the region.