China Launches First Hangor-class Submarine for Pakistan Navy

China has launched the first Hangor-class submarine for the Pakistan Navy at the Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group's Shuangliu Base in Wuhan.

The event was attended by Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, highlighting the close military cooperation between China and Pakistan.

The Hangor-class submarine is part of a contract for the acquisition of eight submarines signed during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Pakistan. Under this agreement, four submarines will be constructed in China, and the remaining four will be built in Karachi, Pakistan.

The Hangor-class submarines are an export variant based on China's Type 039A/041 Yuan-class submarines.

Specific details about the subsystems and weapon systems onboard the Hangor-class submarines have not been publicly disclosed. The completion of the Hangor-class submarines is expected to enhance Anti-Access/Area Denial capabilities in the region. Speculations about the submarines being outfitted with Babur-3 Submarine-Launched Cruise Missiles (SLCMs) suggest a future deep strike capability for Pakistan.