China Delivers Second of Eight Advanced Submarines to Pakistan Navy

China has handed over the second of eight state-of-the-art Hangor-class submarines to Pakistan, strengthening its long-time ally’s naval capabilities as tensions continue to shape the strategic landscape of the Indian Ocean. The submarine, part of a $5 billion defense deal, was launched in Wuhan, China’s Hubei province, marking another milestone in the growing military cooperation between the two nations.

This latest delivery follows China's supply of four modern naval frigates to Pakistan in recent years, underscoring Beijing’s broader efforts to reinforce Islamabad’s maritime strength. With China's increasing presence in the Arabian Sea, where it is actively developing the Gwadar port in Balochistan, Pakistan’s naval modernization aligns with Beijing’s long-term strategic interests.

According to Pakistan Navy officials, the Hangor-class submarines are designed to enhance the country’s underwater warfare capabilities. Four of the submarines will be built in China, while the remaining four will be assembled in Karachi under a transfer-of-technology agreement. This initiative not only strengthens Pakistan’s defense industry but also deepens military collaboration between the two allies.

The submarines come equipped with cutting-edge weaponry and sensors, allowing them to engage targets at extended ranges. Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe highlighted that these submarines feature an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, enabling them to operate with enhanced stealth, maneuverability, and endurance. Their formidable arsenal includes torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and mine-laying capabilities, alongside advanced underwater detection systems.

Beyond naval acquisitions, China remains Pakistan’s largest defense supplier. A report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) revealed that 81% of Pakistan’s advanced military equipment over the last five years came from China. This accounts for 63% of Beijing’s total arms exports to Pakistan, valued at over $5.28 billion.

In addition to submarines and frigates, Pakistan has procured a diverse array of Chinese weaponry, including long-range reconnaissance drones, Type 054A guided-missile frigates, and more than 600 VT-4 battle tanks. Notably, Pakistan Air Force has also benefited from China's advanced fighter jets, receiving J-10CE multirole aircraft in 2022 and the latest JF-17 Block III jets equipped with active electronically scanned array radars in 2023.

As China continues to expand its military influence in South Asia, experts suggest that Beijing may consider supplying Pakistan with its fifth-generation J-35 stealth fighter in the future. The deepening defense ties between China and Pakistan come at a time of evolving geopolitical dynamics, reinforcing Pakistan’s maritime strength while further embedding China’s presence in the Indian Ocean region.