Pakistan Confirms First Chinese-Built Hangor Submarine Will Enter Service in 2026

Overview

• Naval chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf said the submarine program is progressing smoothly, with the first Chinese-built boat slated to join the fleet next year.
• Under a 2015 deal valued at about US$5 billion, Pakistan is acquiring eight Hangor-class submarines, with four built in China and four to be constructed at Karachi Shipyard under technology transfer.
• The Hangor class is based on China’s Type 039A design with air-independent propulsion, enabling weeks-long submerged endurance and missions of roughly two months.
• Germany’s refusal to export MTU396 engines led China to field the CHD620 powerplant, which experts say has yet to demonstrate proven noise and stealth performance in service.
• Analysts say the new boats will complicate Indian anti-submarine operations, expand Pakistan’s anti-access capabilities, and represent one of Beijing’s largest-ever arms export packages.