Pakistan is set to enhance its naval capabilities significantly with the induction of China-built Hangor-class submarines into its fleet by 2026. This marks a critical development in Pakistan’s naval modernization and defense partnership with China, under a $5 billion deal for eight diesel-electric attack submarines to be delivered by 2028.

The first batch of these advanced submarines is currently being built in China, while the latter half will be assembled domestically at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works. This arrangement not only boosts Pakistan’s underwater warfare strength but also contributes to the growth of its indigenous shipbuilding industry. Three of these submarines have already been launched from a shipyard in China, demonstrating steady progress in the project. Pakistan Navy’s Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted that the submarines will enhance Pakistan’s maritime domain awareness and operational reach, particularly over the strategically important North Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean.

The Hangor-class submarines come with modern features such as air-independent propulsion systems, which extend their underwater endurance, a crucial edge in anti-submarine warfare and naval surveillance activities. These capabilities are expected to help Pakistan safeguard its maritime interests including key sea lanes linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), an important economic initiative.

This deployment should also be viewed in the context of increasing China-Pakistan defense cooperation, where Pakistan has become a top buyer of Chinese military equipment with over 60% of China’s arms exports between 2020 and 2024 going to Islamabad. Alongside submarines, China has supplied Pakistan with fighter jets like the JF-17 Thunder and advanced armored vehicles, signaling a broader strategic deepening.

India’s naval dominance in the Indian Ocean region continues to be strong, but Pakistan’s acquisition of these submarines is clearly aimed at boosting its maritime deterrence and attempting to balance power dynamics in the region. Admiral Ashraf also mentioned that the Pakistan Navy is exploring next-generation technologies including artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and advanced electronic warfare, often in collaboration with China, indicating a push towards future-ready naval forces.

The induction of China-built Hangor submarines by 2026 is a major leap for the Pakistan Navy, enhancing its ability to patrol strategic waters and strengthen maritime security, while deepening defense ties with China—a partnership that extends beyond submarines into air and land forces as well. This development will be closely observed by regional and global analysts as it reshapes the naval balance in the Indian Ocean.