The Pakistan Navy is set to commission its first Chinese-designed submarine in 2026, marking a pivotal milestone in a $5 billion arms agreement with Beijing. The deal highlights the deepening military partnership between Pakistan and China, while signaling Beijing’s strategic ambitions in the Indian Ocean.
- Strengthening Pakistan-China Defense Ties
- Regional Strategic Implications
- CPEC and Maritime Power Projection
- Boosting Indigenous Capabilities
- Advancing Modern Warfare Capabilities
- Long-Term Strategic Outlook
- Frequently Asked Question:
- What is the $5 billion submarine deal between Pakistan and China?
- When will Pakistan receive its first Chinese submarine?
- What type of submarines are included in the deal?
- How will these submarines strengthen Pakistan’s navy?
- Why is China supplying submarines to Pakistan?
- Will any submarines be built in Pakistan?
- How does the deal impact regional security?
- conclusion
Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Pakistan’s top naval commander, confirmed that the delivery of eight Hangor-class submarines, part of the landmark contract with China, is “progressing smoothly.” The first diesel-electric attack vessel will join the fleet next year, with the remaining submarines expected to be operational by 2028.
“These advanced submarines will strengthen Pakistan’s ability to patrol the North Arabian Sea and safeguard crucial sea lanes to the Middle East,” Ashraf said. He praised Chinese platforms and equipment for their reliability, technological sophistication, and compatibility with Pakistan Navy operations.
The admiral also emphasized that Pakistan is prioritizing modern warfare technologies, including unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, and advanced electronic warfare, and intends to collaborate closely with China in these domains.
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Strengthening Pakistan-China Defense Ties
The $5 billion agreement specifies that the first four submarines will be built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed domestically in Pakistan. This strategy not only transfers critical technical knowledge but also expands the country’s shipbuilding capabilities. Three vessels have already been launched in China’s Hubei province, according to Chinese media.
The Hangor-class submarines, modeled on China’s Type-039A Yuan-class design, are diesel-electric powered and capable of carrying a range of torpedoes and anti-ship missiles. These vessels are central to Pakistan’s naval modernization efforts, aimed at countering India’s growing maritime capabilities.
Over the past decade, China has emerged as Pakistan’s dominant defense supplier, providing over 60% of Islamabad’s weapons imports between 2020 and 2024. The submarine program exemplifies not only hardware cooperation but also a strategic partnership rooted in mutual trust, industrial collaboration, and joint research initiatives, Admiral Ashraf noted.
Regional Strategic Implications
Experts say the deal may shift the naval balance in the Indian Ocean, where India has steadily expanded its fleet with Russian, French, and indigenous submarines. India currently operates three nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines alongside multiple conventional submarine classes.
“Advanced Chinese submarines in Pakistan’s fleet give Beijing a new foothold in the Indian Ocean, complementing its base in Djibouti and access to key maritime ports,” said Collin Koh, naval analyst at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. He added that for Pakistan, these submarines provide a technological advantage amid intensifying tensions with India.
The submarine rollout coincides with China’s broader strategic initiatives, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $60 billion infrastructure project linking China’s Xinjiang province with Pakistan’s deep-water port at Gwadar.
CPEC and Maritime Power Projection
Spanning approximately 3,000 kilometers (1,860 miles), CPEC forms a core component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It offers Beijing a direct trade route to the Arabian Sea, allowing energy imports from the Middle East to bypass the strategic Straits of Malacca, which could become a vulnerability during conflict.
Military analysts suggest that Pakistan’s submarine fleet enhances security along this corridor, providing both nations with greater control over maritime approaches to Gwadar and the Arabian Sea. This development also boosts China’s ability to project power toward the Gulf, East Africa, and beyond.
“Pakistan’s submarines extend China’s defensive perimeter, enhance deterrence, and safeguard vital energy routes,” said retired Pakistani naval officer Syed Hassan Rizvi. “They strengthen strategic interdependence between the two countries.”
Boosting Indigenous Capabilities
Half of the submarines will be assembled domestically at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works, a move expected to advance Pakistan’s local defense industry. The program includes comprehensive training for Pakistani engineers and naval personnel in Chinese shipyards and technical institutes.
Admiral Ashraf stated, “Pakistan is rapidly absorbing expertise from Chinese counterparts and aims to leverage this experience for future joint production projects. In the coming decade, we anticipate collaboration across shipbuilding, training, interoperability, and technology sharing.”
The initiative represents a broader pivot in Pakistan’s defense strategy, as the country diversifies away from Western suppliers and integrates more deeply into Chinese defense networks. For China, the submarine program reinforces its role as a major security partner for developing nations and strengthens a strategic alliance aimed at counterbalancing India’s regional influence.
Advancing Modern Warfare Capabilities
The Hangor-class submarines are not only an addition to Pakistan’s fleet but also a strategic tool for the evolving nature of naval warfare. By incorporating state-of-the-art stealth, sonar, and missile technologies, these submarines enhance Pakistan’s deterrence posture and operational flexibility.
Beyond immediate defense applications, the submarines provide a platform for adopting emerging technologies, including AI-powered navigation systems, unmanned underwater vehicles, and advanced electronic warfare measures. These capabilities will allow Pakistan to respond effectively to regional security challenges while maintaining technological parity with India.
Long-Term Strategic Outlook
The Pakistan-China defense relationship is entering a new era, characterized by industrial collaboration, technology transfer, and joint research. This partnership aligns with both countries’ long-term strategic objectives: for Pakistan, enhancing maritime security and technological self-reliance; for China, securing strategic access to the Indian Ocean and protecting trade corridors.
The $5 billion submarine deal represents more than a military acquisition—it embodies a strategic vision. By investing in these advanced platforms, Pakistan is strengthening its maritime deterrence, supporting regional stability, and positioning itself as a pivotal player in South Asian security dynamics.
Frequently Asked Question:
What is the $5 billion submarine deal between Pakistan and China?
The deal involves Pakistan acquiring eight Chinese-designed Hangor-class submarines. The agreement includes building four in China and assembling four domestically in Pakistan, aiming to enhance naval capabilities and transfer technology.
When will Pakistan receive its first Chinese submarine?
The first submarine is expected to enter active service in 2026, with the remaining vessels operational by 2028.
What type of submarines are included in the deal?
The submarines are Hangor-class, based on China’s Type-039A Yuan-class design. They are diesel-electric powered and capable of deploying torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.
How will these submarines strengthen Pakistan’s navy?
The new submarines will improve maritime patrols in the North Arabian Sea, safeguard strategic sea lanes, enhance deterrence, and provide Pakistan with advanced underwater combat capabilities.
Why is China supplying submarines to Pakistan?
China has become Pakistan’s main defense partner. The deal reflects a long-standing strategic partnership and mutual interest in maintaining balance in the region, particularly in response to India’s growing naval strength.
Will any submarines be built in Pakistan?
Yes, four of the eight submarines will be assembled at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works. This will strengthen Pakistan’s domestic shipbuilding and defense industry.
How does the deal impact regional security?
The submarines could shift the naval balance in the Indian Ocean, boosting Pakistan’s maritime deterrence and extending China’s strategic influence along key sea routes.
conclusion
The $5 billion Chinese submarine deal marks a transformative moment for Pakistan’s naval capabilities and strategic posture. With the first Hangor-class submarine set to enter service in 2026, Pakistan is poised to enhance maritime security, strengthen deterrence, and assert greater influence in the Indian Ocean. Beyond hardware, the deal fosters technology transfer, domestic shipbuilding growth, and deeper collaboration with China, reflecting a long-term strategic partnership. As Pakistan modernizes its navy, this initiative not only secures vital sea lanes and energy routes but also positions the country as a key player in regional maritime dynamics for years to come.
