politics
May 2, 2026
Pakistan Navy Inducts Chinese Hangor Submarines, Boosting Bilateral Defense Ties
Pakistan has commissioned the first Chinese-built Hangor submarine as part of an eight-vessel deal, strengthening its naval capabilities and defense cooperation with Beijing
TL;DR
- Pakistan commissioned the first of eight Chinese-built Hangor-class submarines.
- The Hangor-class is a diesel-electric submarine with air-independent propulsion, based on China's Type 039A design.
- A $5 billion deal includes four submarines built in China and four to be constructed in Pakistan.
- This induction strengthens Pakistan's defense cooperation with China and its undersea fleet.
- Pakistan utilizes its submarine fleet as a deterrence against India.
- China accounted for approximately 81% of Pakistan's arms imports in 2020–2024, according to SIPRI.
- India is closely monitoring China's submarine supply to Pakistan and expanding its own undersea fleet.
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