China Delivers Third Hangor-Class Submarine to Pakistan Navy

China has delivered the third Hangor-class submarine to the Pakistan Navy, marking a significant development in a $5 billion defense agreement designed to enhance Islamabad's underwater combat capabilities.

The submarine, named PNS/M Mangro, was officially launched on August 14, 2025, at the Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd, Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, Hubei Province. The launch ceremony was attended by senior officials from both China and Pakistan, including Vice Admiral Abdul Samad, Pakistan's Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Project-2).

Features of the Hangor-Class Submarines

The Hangor-class submarines, based on China's Type 039B Yuan-class diesel-electric attack submarine, are equipped with a range of advanced features:

• Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology for extended underwater endurance.
• Advanced stealth attributes, sensors, and mobility.
• Powerful armaments, including torpedoes, cruise missiles, and anti-ship missiles.

Each of these submarines measures approximately 76 meters in length, has a hull diameter of 8.4 meters, and displaces 2,800 tons, making them a formidable asset for anti-access and area denial operations in the region.

China-Pakistan Defence Partnership

The agreement outlines that four submarines will be constructed in China, while the remaining four will be assembled at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW) through a Transfer of Technology (ToT) program. This collaboration highlights the deepening strategic defense ties between Beijing and Islamabad.

China, as Pakistan’s largest defense supplier, has previously supplied four advanced Type-054A/P frigates to Pakistan. According to SIPRI, over 81% of Pakistan's recent military equipment—including VT-4 battle tanks, J-10CE fighter jets, and the spy ship Rizwan—originates from China.

Strategic Significance

At the launch event, Vice Admiral Abdul Samad emphasized that the Hangor-class submarines are crucial for maintaining regional power balance and maritime security. Chinese defense analyst Zhang Junshe also pointed out their enhanced stealth, endurance, and combat capabilities as significant advancements in regional naval strength.

The deployment of the Mangro enhances Pakistan's naval power amid rising tensions in the Indian Ocean region. With China establishing a base at Gwadar Port, Balochistan, it is expanding its maritime presence, thereby increasing its influence in an area India regards as strategically pivotal.

$5 Billion Submarine Deal

The delivery of eight Hangor-class submarines constitutes one of China's largest military export transactions. With three submarines already launched, the remaining five are scheduled for delivery by the end of the decade. Once fully integrated into the fleet, these submarines are expected to significantly fortify Pakistan's underwater strike capabilities and strengthen its naval deterrence.