Hangor­-class Submarines and Pakistan’s Emerging Sea-Based Deterrent

The induction of the Hangor class submarines marks one of the most significant milestone in the modernization of the Pakistan Navy. As the regional maritime environment becomes increasingly complex, Pakistan is investing in advanced undersea capabilities to strengthen deterrence, safeguard maritime trade routes, and enhance national security.

The Hangor-class is based on Chinese S26 submarine design, an export variant derived from the Yuan class family. Pakistan has ordered eight submarines under major defense agreement with China.  Four submarines are being constructed in China, while the remaining four are being built at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works through technology transfer agreement that will strengthen Pakistan’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.

The lead boat PMS/M Hangor, entered service in 2026, becomes the largest and most capable submarine ever operated by the Pakistan Navy. The remaining submarines are expected to enter service gradually over the course of few years, ultimately forming the backbone of Pakistan’s undersea fleet.

The name Hangor carries special historical significance. It honors the original PNS Hangor, a Daphne class submarine that achieved the distinction in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war by sinking the Indian frigate INS Khukri and gave heavy damage to INS Kirpan. The operation remains one of the most notable submarine successes in the south Asian naval history and counties to hold an important place in Pakistan Navy traditions. (The original Hangor is on the display in Karachi Navy Museum).

Equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), the new Hangor-class can remain submerged for the extended period without surfing to recharge batteries. This significantly improve stealth, endurance, and survivability. The submarine is also expected to carry modern torpedoes and anti-ship cruise missiles, providing Pakistan with a credible sea-denial capability in the Arabian Sea and wider Indian Ocean region.

Does the Hangor-class Complete Pakistan’s Nuclear Triad?

The introduction of the Hangor-class has revived debate regarding Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent posture. A nuclear triad traditionally consists of three delivery systems: land-based surface to surface missiles, air-delivered nuclear weapons, and sea-based nuclear missiles.

Pakistan already possesses the first two components. The debate centers on the third leg, sea-based deterrence.

Pakistan has already demonstrated the technological foundations of the sea-based deterrent through the development of the Babur-3 submarine launched cruise missile. However, public information regarding the routine deployment of the nuclear weapons aboard operational submarines remains limited. As a result, analysts differ in their assessments of whether Pakistan’s sea based deterrent should be viewed as fully operational or still evolving. Regardless of this debate, the induction of the Hangor- class significantly enhances Pakistan’s ability to maintain a credible and powerful maritime deterrent, with its greater endurance, improved stealth and enhanced survivability.

The Debate over Nuclear-Powered Submarines

Some commentators have argued that Pakistan should pursue Chinese nuclear-powered submarines, often citing Type S093 Shang-class attack submarine or the Type 094 Jin-class ballistic missile submarine. These discussions frequently appear on the defense forums and social media.

While such proposals attract attention, there is currently no public confirmation evidence that Pakistan is acquiring either class.

More importantly, Pakistan’s strategic requirements differ from those of large naval powers. Countries such as United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom operate nuclear-powers submarines because they must conduct long duration patrols across vast oceans and maintain continuous global deployment.

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On the other hand, Pakistan’s maritime environment is considerably smaller. Its primary strategic focus remains the Arabian Sea and the Northern Indian Ocean. Advanced conventional submarines equipped with AIP systems can operate effectively within these waters while remaining significantly less expensive to acquire and maintain than nuclear powered vessels.

For Pakistan’s current requirements, the combination of Hangor class submarines and the Babur 3 missile provide a practical and cost effective approach to sea based deterrence. Nuclear propulsion is not prerequisite for establishing a credible second strike capability.

Looking for the Future

This does not mean Pakistan will never pursue nuclear powered submarines. Historically, every established nuclear power has sought to improve the survivability of its deterrent forces and even North Korea has announced efforts to develop nuclear powered submarines technology.

However, operating nuclear powered submarines require far more than acquiring the vessels themselves. It demands specialized infrastructure, nuclear engineering experts, maintenance facilities, crew training and sophisticated command and control system. These capabilities often take decades to develop.

Even China, despite its major advances in naval modernization has spent decades refining its nuclear submarines fleet and continues to invest heavily in improving submarine propulsion systems and operational effectiveness. Any future Pakistani effort in this direction would therefore represent a long term strategic undertaking rather than a near term objective.

Conclusion

The Hangor class submarines program represent a transformative development for the Pakistani Navy. Beyond enhancing conventional naval capabilities, it strengthens Pakistan’s ability to establish a credible sea based deterrent and reinforce strategic stability in the maritime domain.

While debates regarding nuclear powered submarines will continue. Pakistan’s immediate priorities appear clear, successfully induct the Hangor fleet, operationalize its sea based deterrent capabilities and develop the institutional experience required for sustain undersea operations. For the foreseeable future, Hangor class and Babur 3 missile provide a realistic and strategically sound path towards strengthening Pakistan’s maritime deterrence posture.

Written By:
Muhammad Asadullah Kahut

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