Full Breakdown
Pakistan Commissioning First Hangor-Class Submarine Marks Deepening China-Pakistan Naval Ties
5/1/2026, 8:24:04 PM
Commissioning Ceremony in Sanya
On 30 April 2026, Pakistan’s navy commissioned the first Hangor-class submarine at a ceremony in Sanya, China. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari attended as chief guest, accompanied by Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and senior officials from both countries. The event signaled the start of a planned fleet of eight submarines that will augment Pakistan’s maritime capabilities.
Background: Expanding Defense Cooperation
The commissioning follows a broader expansion of defence ties between Islamabad and Beijing. In the previous year’s Pakistan-India border clash, Pakistan employed Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets, which it claims were used to down Indian aircraft, including French-made Rafales. The two nations have also deepened economic links through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project.
Key Figures
- Asif Ali Zardari – President of Pakistan, described the induction as a historic milestone.
- Admiral Naveed Ashraf – Chief of the Pakistan Navy, highlighted the submarine’s role in maritime security.
- Pakistani government official – Provided details on the production schedule and future export potential.
- Chinese defence representatives – Hosted the ceremony and participated in the technology-transfer agreement (names not disclosed in the sources).
Submarine Specifications and Production Plan
The Hangor-class is believed to be based on China’s Type 039A design. It carries a crew of 38 and can accommodate special-forces personnel. Armament includes torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, while onboard systems feature advanced sensors and air-independent propulsion. Pakistan has ordered eight submarines: four will be built in China and delivered, and four will be constructed at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works under a transfer-of-technology program.
Official Statements Summarized
President Zardari called the induction a “historic milestone” reflecting Pakistan’s resolve to maintain a credible defence posture and protect maritime interests. Admiral Ashraf framed the submarines as essential for countering disruptions at critical choke points that threaten global trade and energy security, and for preserving regional stability. A Pakistani official noted that the programme will enable Pakistan to “offer their exports under our defence production in future,” indicating a potential shift toward indigenous submarine export capability.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reuters initially omitted the total number of submarines, later citing the government official’s clarification of an eight-vessel fleet. Neither source provides a detailed timeline for the construction of the four domestically built submarines or the specific terms of the technology-transfer agreement, leaving the schedule for full fleet completion unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “historic milestone” — Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan
- “an important milestone to bolster our maritime defence and modernize ?our fleet with cutting-edge technology.” — Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Pakistan Navy
- “We will also be in ?a position to ?offer their exports ?under our defence production in future,” — Pakistani government official
- “Speaking at the ceremony, Ashraf said disruptions at critical maritime choke points are increasingly threatening global trade and energy security, underscoring the need for an advanced navy.” — Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Pakistan Navy
What’s Next
The next four submarines are slated for construction at Karachi Shipyard, with technology transfer from China expected to progress alongside the deliveries. Pakistan’s navy plans to integrate the new vessels into its fleet to enhance deterrence and may explore exporting domestically produced submarines once production capabilities are established.
