Tayyaba Tariq
Silent, unseen, and decisive, submarines often shape naval balance long before they are ever detected.
In Pakistan’s case, the Hangor-class submarine programme represents such a quiet but consequential shiftone that is redefining the country’s maritime deterrence at a time of intensifying regional competition. As new submarines begin to take shape and enter the water, the programme signals Pakistan Navy’s determination to remain a credible undersea force in the Indian Ocean region.
Pakistan has historically placed strong emphasis on submarine warfare as a core element of its naval doctrine. From the early acquisition of Daphne-class submarines to the later induction of the Agosta-70 and Agosta-90B (Khalid-class), submarines have provided Pakistan with a survivable and effective means of sea denial. The legacy Hangor submarine of 1971 also remains deeply embedded in naval history, symbolising the strategic value of undersea platforms.
However, by the last decade, the operational limitations of an ageing fleet became increasingly apparent. Maintenance demands rose, operational availability declined, and technological gaps widened as neighbouring navies accelerated their modernisation efforts. In parallel, advances in surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime intelligence made stealth, endurance, and automation indispensable. These factors collectively underscored the need for a new generation of submarines capable of operating in a far more complex maritime environment.
Responding to these challenges, Pakistan signed a landmark agreement with China in 2015 for the acquisition of eight advanced diesel-electric submarines, later designated as the Hangor class. The deal, one of the largest defence procurement agreements in Pakistan’s history, reflects the depth of strategic cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing. More importantly, it was structured not merely as a purchase but as a long-term capability-building initiative.
The Hangor-class submarine project represents a decisive leap in Pakistan Navy’s undersea capability, combining Air-Independent Propulsion, advanced sensor suites, secure communications, and multi-domain weapon systems within a highly stealth-optimised platform. Constructed through a comprehensive Transfer of Technology arrangement, the programme strengthens indigenous shipbuilding capacity while ensuring long-term sustainment and operational autonomy. Beyond fleet modernisation, it enhances sea denial capability, safeguards vital Sea Lines of Communication, and reinforces credible maritime deterrence. In an increasingly contested Indian Ocean Region, the Hangor class significantly elevates Pakistan’s strategic undersea posture.
Under the agreement, four submarines are being constructed in China, while the remaining four are to be built in Pakistan at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW) under a comprehensive transfer of technology framework. This arrangement ensures faster induction of initial units while simultaneously strengthening Pakistan’s domestic shipbuilding capacity. It also reduces future dependence on foreign maintenance and creates a foundation for long-term sustainment and upgrades.
Technically, the Hangor class is Pakistan’s export-specific variant of China’s Type-039A/039B submarines, commonly known as the Yuan or S26 class. These submarines are designed to prioritise stealth, survivability, and endurancequalities that define modern undersea warfare. A key feature is the diesel-electric propulsion system integrated with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP), allowing extended submerged operations without surfacing. This significantly lowers the risk of detection and enhances operational flexibility in contested waters.
While specific performance details remain classified, the Hangor class is understood to incorporate modern sonar suites, advanced combat management systems, and the capability to deploy torpedoes and anti-ship weapons. Together, these features provide Pakistan Navy with a potent undersea platform capable of both defensive and deterrent roles.
Progress on the program has been steady and visible. The first submarine, PNS Hangor, was launched in April 2024, marking a major milestone. This was followed by the launch of PNS/M Shushuk in March 2025. The third and fourth submarines i.e. PNS/M Mangro and PNS Ghaziwere launched in August and December 2025, respectively. These developments suggest the programme is broadly on schedule, with sea trials underway and initial induction expected from 2026 onward.
Strategically, the Hangor-class submarines reinforce Pakistan’s emphasis on credible deterrence and sea denial. Submarines remain the most survivable naval assets, capable of operating covertly and imposing disproportionate costs on adversaries. For Pakistan, they enhance the protection of sea lines of communication, support maritime security, and strengthen the navy’s ability to counter superior surface forces.
Equally significant is the program’s industrial impact. Building submarines domestically under technology transfer represents a major advancement for Pakistan’s Defenseindustrial base. It contributes to workforce development, technological absorption, and long-term self-reliance in naval construction and maintenance.
In sum, the Hangor-class submarine program marks a decisive step in Pakistan’s maritime evolution. Quiet by nature but strategic in effect, these submarines are set to play a central role in safeguarding national interests beneath the surfacewhere modern naval power increasingly resides.
—The writer is a research analyst with experience in strategic studies, media research, and policy analysis. She regularly writes on defense, security, and international affairs.
