Key points
- Submarine is equipped with advanced weapons and sensors
- It is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s deterrence capabilities
- Pakistan will get 6 more submarines with a technology transfer agreement
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Navy launched its second Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Shushuk, at a ceremony in Wuhan, China, as part of a strategic initiative to bolster its maritime defence capabilities.
According to an official statement issued on Saturday, the country’s defence ministry signed an agreement with China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan in 2015 to acquire eight of these submarines.
Under the deal, four submarines are being built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works under a transfer of technology programme.
Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami, was the Chief Guest on the occasion, said a news release issued by Directorate General Public Relations (PAKISTAN NAVY).
Maritime security
While addressing the ceremony, Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami highlighted the importance of maritime security in the prevailing geo-strategic environment of the region, as well as the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to safeguarding national interests and ensuring a safe and conducive maritime environment for all.
He emphasised that Hangor-Class submarines, equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, will play a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of power and maritime order in the region.
Satisfied with progress
Acknowledging the efforts of China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company Ltd, he expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress and underscored that the Hangor-Class Submarine Project will add a “new dimension to the time-tested Pakistan-China friendship”.
These submarines will be fitted with cutting-edge weapons and sensors, enabling them to engage targets at standoff ranges.
The launching ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from Pakistan and China, including representatives from Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd and China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company Ltd.
