The Pakistan Navy is set to commission its first Chinese-designed submarine next year, a major step forward in its defense cooperation with Beijing. The move strengthens China’s growing military influence in the region and enhances Pakistan’s naval capabilities in the North Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf, the Chief of Naval Staff, confirmed in an interview with China’s Global Times that the eight Hangor-class submarines being built under a bilateral agreement will be delivered by 2028. He said the program is “progressing smoothly” and will significantly enhance Pakistan’s maritime defense and surveillance capabilities.
The project includes the construction of the first four diesel-electric attack submarines in China, while the remaining four will be assembled in Pakistan to strengthen the country’s indigenous shipbuilding expertise. Three of the vessels have already been launched into the Yangtze River from a shipyard in China’s Hubei province.
Admiral Ashraf praised Chinese technology, describing it as reliable, advanced, and well-suited to Pakistan Navy’s operational requirements. He added that the force is also focusing on modern warfare domains such as artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and advanced electronic warfare, with an eye on expanding cooperation with China in these emerging fields.
The update comes months after Pakistan’s air force reportedly used Chinese-made J-10 fighter jets to shoot down Indian jets, reigniting debate over Chinese versus Western military technology.
roti kapra aur makkan rehnay do bas paisa yahan lagaoun. Awaam tareekh ki bad tareen aur corrupt tareen dour sy guzar rahy hyn