Pakistan’s first of eight Chinese-designed submarines is expected to enter service by 2026, according to Admiral Naveed Ashraf, as reported by Chinese state media and cited by Reuters.
The Hangor-class diesel-electric attack submarine program, estimated at $5 billion, began in 2015. The whole fleet is expected to be delivered by 2028, with the vessels slated to patrol the North Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
Under the agreement, the first four will be built in China while the remaining four will be constructed at Pakistan’s Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works.
A total of three submarines have been formally rolled out so far, with the third vessel, PNS/M Mangro, launched at Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China, in August.
Pakistan-China Defense Ties
Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) indicates that between 2020 and 2024, Islamabad accounted for more than 60 percent of Beijing’s total arms exports, underscoring its position as China’s leading defense customer.
“Chinese-origin platforms and equipment have been reliable, technologically advanced, and well-suited to Pakistan Navy’s operational requirements,” Admiral Ashraf reportedly said.
In November 2021, Beijing delivered its “largest, most advanced warship” exported to Islamabad: the Type 054A/P frigate.
Pakistan also operates Chinese J-10C fighter jets, which it used against Indian aircraft during their four-day war in May.
This year, the South Asian country was said to be eyeing the acquisition of China’s HQ-19 missile defense system.
In addition, Pakistan is acquiring more Chinese-made aircraft, including FC-31 Gyrfalcon stealth fighters — expected to arrive soon — and Z-10ME attack helicopters, whose deliveries began earlier this year.
