On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, Pakistan’s first Hangor-class submarine, named PNS Hangor, completed its maiden voyage and arrived in Karachi. This delivery marks a significant milestone in Pakistan's naval modernization efforts and is the first of eight such submarines being acquired from China under a comprehensive defense agreement. The arrival of the advanced conventional attack submarine is being closely monitored by regional naval powers, particularly India, due to its potential impact on the strategic balance in the Indian Ocean region.

The PNS Hangor is a diesel-electric submarine equipped with an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, a technology that significantly enhances its underwater endurance and reduces its need to surface, making it harder to detect. This class of submarine, designated as S26P, is designed for various missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence gathering. Its capabilities include the ability to launch advanced torpedoes and anti-ship cruise missiles, bolstering Pakistan's sea denial strategy.

The acquisition of the Hangor-class submarines is part of a 2015 deal between Pakistan and China, valued at approximately $5 billion. Under this agreement, four submarines are being constructed at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group in Wuhan, China, while the remaining four are being built at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) in Pakistan through a technology transfer arrangement. This phased delivery aims to complete the induction of all eight submarines into the Pakistan Navy fleet by 2028. The second Hangor-class submarine, PNS Tasnim, was also launched in Wuhan in May 2024, indicating continued progress in the program.

India has expressed consistent concerns regarding the expanding defense cooperation between China and Pakistan, viewing it as a factor impacting regional security dynamics. The induction of the Hangor-class submarines, particularly with their AIP technology, presents new challenges for India's anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. The ability of these submarines to operate submerged for extended periods could potentially complicate maritime surveillance and defense strategies in the Arabian Sea and the broader Indian Ocean. The name "Hangor" itself holds historical significance for Pakistan, commemorating the PNS Hangor submarine that sank an Indian warship during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.

Supporting Details:

  • Total Submarines: Eight Hangor-class (S26P) submarines ordered.
  • Construction Sites: Four in China (Wuchang Shipbuilding), four in Pakistan (KSEW) under technology transfer.
  • Key Technology: Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system for extended underwater operations, enhancing stealth.
  • Weaponry: Capable of launching anti-ship cruise missiles and advanced torpedoes.
  • Delivery Schedule: First unit, PNS Hangor, arrived in June 2024; all eight expected by 2028.
  • Strategic Impact: Enhances Pakistan's naval deterrence and sea denial capabilities in the Indian Ocean region.
  • Regional Context: Closely observed by India due to implications for maritime power balance and ASW challenges in the Arabian Sea.

The integration of PNS Hangor into the Pakistan Navy fleet is expected to proceed in the coming months, followed by operational deployments and crew training. As further units of the Hangor-class submarines are delivered and commissioned, the regional naval landscape is anticipated to evolve, potentially leading to adjustments in maritime defense strategies by neighboring nations. The ongoing modernization efforts by both Pakistan and India underscore a continued focus on naval power projection and deterrence in the Indian Ocean.