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

Nov 05, 2025

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.

Point Details
Total Submarines 8 Hangor-class
Origin China (Type 039A Yuan-class)
Deal Value $5 billion
Delivery Timeline 2026–2028
Construction 4 in China, 4 in Pakistan
AIP Capability Yes (3 weeks submerged)
India’s Project-75I Status Delayed (approved 2007, not started)
Potential Weapon Babur-3 SLCM (nuclear-capable)
Strategic Effect Boosts Pakistan’s A2/AD; shifts regional balance

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)

    • 4 HDW (German origin)

  • Project-75I: Approved in 2007 , aims for 6 new AIP submarines , but construction not yet started .

  • Estimated cost: Rs 70,000 crore .

  • Delivery of the first submarine may take up to 8 years after contract signing .

5. India’s Countermeasures and Strengths

  • P-8I maritime patrol aircraft (US origin) for long-range submarine detection.

  • MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for anti-submarine warfare.

  • Advanced ASW destroyers and frigates to maintain sea control.

6. Strategic Implications

  • The Hangor-class induction will reduce India’s conventional naval superiority .

  • Signals a broader shift in South Asian maritime balance .

  • Strengthens Pakistan’s strategic deterrence posture with China’s ongoing support.

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