Pakistan’s Hangor-Class Submarines and Possible Shift in Naval Balance in Indian Ocean

1. Background and Significance

• Pakistan is set to induct Hangor-class submarines from 2026 onwards , with full delivery by 2028 .

• The submarines are being developed under a $5 billion deal with China .

• The induction is expected to enhance Pakistan’s maritime strength and challenge India’s conventional submarine edge in the Indian Ocean.

2. Strategic Partnership

• The Hangor-class project reflects deepening China-Pakistan military cooperation .

• 8 submarines to be acquired:

  • 4 built in China ,

  • 4 built at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW) .

• The project also aims to boost Pakistan’s domestic shipbuilding capacity .

3. Technical Features of Hangor-Class (Type 039A Yuan-Class)

• Type: Diesel-electric submarine with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) .

• Stealth Capability: Can stay submerged for up to 3 weeks without surfacing.

• Endurance Advantage: Outperforms older diesel-electric submarines that must surface every few days.

• Weapons: Expected to carry torpedoes and Babur-3 nuclear-capable cruise missiles .

• Enhances Pakistan’s Anti-Access/Area-Denial (A2/AD) capabilities in the Arabian Sea.

4. India’s Submarine Program Status

• Current fleet:

  • 6 Scorpene-class (French origin)

  • 6 Kilo-class (Russian origin)