ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Navy expects its first Chinese-designed Hangor-class submarine to enter active service next year, marking a major milestone in Islamabad’s naval modernization drive, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf told Chinese state media.
Admiral Ashraf said the Hangor-class program is progressing smoothly, with the second and third submarines launched in China earlier this year, he told Global Times. The 2015 contract for eight submarines—four built in China and four assembled in Karachi—marks one of the largest naval cooperation projects between the two countries.
Pakistan signed a contract with China to procure eight Hangor-class conventional submarines in 2015, with the first four to be constructed by China and the rest to be assembled by Pakistan, so as to improve Pakistan’s technical capabilities. According to the plan, Pakistan will acquire eight advanced submarines between 2022 and 2028. The first Hangor-class conventionally powered submarine was launched in China in April 2024, while the second and third vessels were consecutively launched this year, reports the Global Times.
Ashraf said the initiative not only enhances Pakistan’s underwater warfare capabilities but also strengthens local expertise through technology transfer to Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works. “It reflects the depth of professionalism and trust between the Pakistan Navy and the People’s Liberation Army Navy,” he added.
Strengthening Regional Maritime Security
Besides the submarine project, the Type 054A/P frigates mark another major achievement in China-Pakistan naval equipment cooperation. This type of multirole frigates is already in service with the Pakistan Navy, with Ashraf saying that they are “among the most advanced surface combatants.” he told the Global Times.
The Naval Chief noted that Chinese-built Type 054A/P frigates, already inducted into the fleet, have “greatly enhanced” Pakistan’s ability to conduct air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime surveillance. “These platforms are key to securing vital trade routes in the North Arabian Sea and protecting the sea lines of communication linked to CPEC,” he said.
Calling China a “trusted partner” in the Navy’s modernization journey, Ashraf praised Chinese-origin platforms as reliable, advanced, and well-suited to Pakistan’s operational needs. He said the Navy is also expanding cooperation with China in emerging technologies such as unmanned systems, AI, and electronic warfare.
Expanding Joint Naval Cooperation
Talking about the performance of Chinese-made equipment, Ashraf said that Chinese-origin platforms and equipment have been reliable, technologically advanced and well-suited to Pakistan Navy’s operational requirements. He said that the Pakistan Navy’s experience with them has been very positive, both in terms of performance and technical support.
In recent years, the navies of China and Pakistan have maintained frequent exchanges and cooperation. The two sides have conducted multiple joint exercises and training activities in China and Pakistan as well as at high seas.
The content covers subjects such as joint counter-terrorism, anti-piracy, maritime replenishment, formation maneuvering, communication liaison, and joint search and rescue. In particular, the Sea Guardians series of exercises has become an important brand for joint naval exercises between the two countries.
Joint exercises like the Sea Guardians series have become a hallmark of the growing partnership, improving interoperability and tactical coordination. “Such engagements demonstrate our shared resolve to promote peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the region,” Ashraf said.
“China has been a trusted partner in the Pakistan Navy’s modernization journey,” Ashraf said. He noted that the introduction of advanced frigates and submarines has significantly enhanced the Pakistan Navy’s operational reach, multi-domain war-fighting capabilities, and deterrence posture.
Pakistan International Maritime Expo
From Monday to Thursday, the Pakistan Navy is organizing a second edition of the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC) in Karachi. The event is being organized to jump-start the development of Pakistan’s maritime sector and establish a platform to spur the blue economy and provide a platform to government-to-government and business-to-business engagements, according to the Pakistan Navy.
“Through PIMEC, Pakistan seeks to highlight opportunities in its blue economy and strengthen international cooperation for a secure and prosperous maritime future,” he said.
