Pakistan Navy Launches Second Hangor-Class Submarine

The Pakistan Navy has successfully launched its second Hangor-class submarine, PNS Shushuk, during a ceremony held in China. This milestone event, announced by Pakistan’s military media wing (ISPR), represents a significant advancement in Pakistan’s naval capabilities and underscores the deepening defense cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing.

High-ranking officials from both nations attended the prestigious ceremony, with Vice Admiral Owais Ahmed Bilgrami, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, serving as the chief guest. The launch marks another concrete step in Pakistan’s comprehensive naval modernization program aimed at strengthening its maritime defenses in the strategically vital Indian Ocean region.

Maritime Security Focus

During his address at the ceremony, Vice Admiral Bilgrami emphasized the critical importance of maritime security and highlighted the Pakistan Navy’s pivotal role in safeguarding national interests while maintaining a favorable maritime environment. “This project will undoubtedly add a new dimension to Pak-China friendship,” the Vice Admiral remarked, pointing to the broader strategic significance of the submarine program beyond its military applications.

The Hangor-class submarines represent cutting-edge naval technology and are designed to enhance Pakistan’s undersea warfare capabilities. These vessels form a cornerstone of Pakistan’s naval strategy as it seeks to establish a more robust presence in regional waters and protect its maritime boundaries and economic interests.

Bilateral Defense Cooperation

The submarine project stems from a comprehensive agreement signed between Pakistan and China during the Chinese President’s visit to Pakistan. This landmark deal includes the acquisition of eight advanced Hangor-class submarines, significantly expanding Pakistan’s submarine fleet and operational capabilities.

Under the terms of this strategic agreement, four submarines will be constructed in China, while the remaining four will be built at the Karachi Shipyard under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) arrangement. This approach not only enhances Pakistan’s naval assets but also contributes to developing domestic shipbuilding expertise and infrastructure.

Industrial Development

The Transfer of Technology component represents a crucial aspect of the submarine program, as it enables Pakistan to develop indigenous submarine construction capabilities. This knowledge transfer will help establish a sustainable defense industrial base in Pakistan, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for future naval assets and creating high-skill employment opportunities.

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The construction of submarines at the Karachi Shipyard will involve Pakistani engineers and technicians working alongside Chinese experts, facilitating practical knowledge transfer in advanced submarine building techniques. This collaborative approach supports Pakistan’s broader goals of technological self-reliance and industrial development in the defense sector.

The launch of PNS Shushuk demonstrates steady progress in implementing the submarine agreement and reflects both countries’ commitment to their strategic partnership in maritime defense. As regional naval competition intensifies, particularly with India’s expansion of its submarine fleet, Pakistan’s acquisition of modern submarines represents a significant step toward maintaining the strategic balance in South Asian waters.

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