Pakistan’s First Chinese Submarine Set to Join Fleet Next Year Admiral Naveed Ashraf Hails New Era in Naval Strength and Technology

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Navy is all set to induct its first-ever Chinese-designed Hangor-class submarine into active service by 2026, marking a major milestone in the country’s maritime defense modernization and strategic partnership with China.

According to Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, the $5 billion submarine program — aimed at acquiring eight advanced Hangor-class submarines by 2028 — is moving forward “smoothly and successfully.” Speaking to China’s Global Times, he confirmed that the second and third submarines were launched in China earlier this year, reflecting growing naval cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing.

Boost to Maritime Defense and Local Expertise

Admiral Ashraf emphasized that the submarine project will significantly strengthen Pakistan’s underwater warfare capabilities while promoting self-reliance through local construction and technology transfer at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW).
He added that four submarines are being built in China and the remaining four in Pakistan — with three vessels already launched along China’s Yangtze River.

Frigates and Joint Development

Highlighting earlier achievements, Admiral Ashraf pointed to the successful deployment of Type 054A/P frigates, describing them as “one of the most advanced surface combatants in the region.” These ships, he said, have enhanced Pakistan Navy’s air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime surveillance capabilities.

“These advanced platforms are crucial for protecting vital sea routes across the North Arabian Sea and the broader Indian Ocean — lifelines of global trade,” he noted.

Deepening Strategic Cooperation

Admiral Ashraf reaffirmed that Chinese defense technology has proven to be reliable, cutting-edge, and well-suited to Pakistan’s naval needs. Beyond traditional weaponry, cooperation between the two nations is now expanding into artificial intelligence (AI), unmanned systems, and electronic warfare — marking a new phase in their defense relationship.

Over the last five years, Pakistan has remained China’s largest defense partner, accounting for more than 60% of Beijing’s arms exports, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

A Vision for Regional Peace and Progress

Looking ahead, Admiral Ashraf said the Pakistan Navy envisions deeper collaboration in shipbuilding, joint exercises, training programs, and maritime industry development.
“Our defense partnership is rooted in mutual trust and shared strategic goals,” he said. “Together, Pakistan and China are working to ensure a secure maritime environment that supports peace, stability, and prosperity across the region.”

He concluded that the addition of modern submarines and frigates has expanded Pakistan Navy’s operational range, deterrence strength, and readiness to protect national and regional interests.

“This partnership goes beyond hardware,” Admiral Ashraf stated. “It reflects a shared vision and an enduring friendship between our two navies.”