China Delivers Third Hangor-Class Submarine to Pakistan, Bolstering Naval Capabilities
Wuhan, China – In a move set to significantly enhance Pakistan’s naval capabilities and deepen the strategic defense ties between Beijing and Islamabad, China has officially delivered the third of eight Hangor-class submarines to the Pakistan Navy. The submarine, named PNS/M Mangro, was formally launched on August 14, 2025, at the Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd, Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, Hubei Province.
Strategic Defense Agreement and Submarine Features
The delivery is part of a substantial $5 billion defense agreement. These Hangor-class submarines, an export variant of China’s advanced Type 039B Yuan-class diesel-electric attack submarines, are equipped with cutting-edge weaponry and advanced sensor systems. This includes Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology for extended underwater endurance, providing them with strong underwater combat capabilities, exceptional stealth characteristics, high mobility, long endurance, and formidable firepower. Their armament includes torpedoes, cruise missiles, and anti-ship missiles. Each submarine measures approximately 76 meters in length, has a hull diameter of 8.4 meters, and displaces 2,800 tons, making them formidable assets for anti-access and area denial operations.
Impact on Regional Power Balance and Security
Vice Admiral Abdul Samad, Pakistan’s Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Project-2), emphasized at the launch that these submarines are crucial for maintaining regional power balance and maritime security. This collaboration further highlights China’s role as Pakistan’s largest defense supplier. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), over 81% of Pakistan’s recent military equipment originates from China. This extensive support includes advanced Type-054A/P frigates, VT-4 battle tanks, J-10CE fighter jets, and the spy ship Rizwan.
Future Deliveries and Technology Transfer
The agreement stipulates that four of the eight submarines will be constructed in China, while the remaining four will be assembled at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW) in Pakistan. This arrangement includes a Transfer of Technology (ToT) program, aiming to strengthen Pakistan’s indigenous naval industry. With three submarines now delivered, the remaining five are scheduled for delivery by the end of the decade, promising to significantly fortify Pakistan’s underwater strike capabilities.
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