Hangoor (Shark) Class Submarine
The Pakistani Navy launched its second Hangor-class submarine, the future PNS/M SHUSHUK (Desig), at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd.’s Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China. Wuchang Shipbuilding in Wuhan, China, hosted the launch of Pakistan’s second Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M SHUSHUK. Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest.
While speaking, he highlighted the growing need for maritime security in today’s complex regional landscape. He stressed the Pakistan Navy’s strong commitment to defending national interests at sea. Moreover, he underlined efforts to ensure a stable and safe maritime environment for all regional actors. He also noted that the new Hangor-class submarines carry advanced weapons and sensors. According to him, these submarines will help maintain balance and uphold maritime order in the region.
China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company Ltd. (CSOC)
Recognising the tireless efforts of China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company Ltd. (CSOC), he expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress and emphasised that the Hangor Class Submarine Project would add a new dimension to the time-tested Pakistan-China friendship.
During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan, the Pakistani government signed an agreement with CSOC to acquire eight Hangor-class submarines. Under this contract, four submarines will be built in China, while the remaining four will be built in Pakistan at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Ltd. (KS&EW) under the Transfer of Technology programme.
These submarines will be equipped with cutting-edge weapons and sensors, allowing them to engage targets at long ranges. The Hangor-class submarines are export versions of the PLAN’s Type 039B Yuan-class submarines. Pakistan approved the purchase of eight submarines from China in April 2015.
The agreement stipulates that Pakistan’s KS&EW will build four of the submarines, while China will produce the remaining four. The initial plan was to deliver eight boats between 2022 and 2028. The program’s chief director revealed in August 2016 that they would deliver the first four submarines by 2022–2023.
He added that the final four submarines would follow, with delivery expected in 2028. However, the programme appears to be behind schedule, with the first submarine set to launch in 2024.
Subsystems or Specific weapon systems
The Pakistan Navy does not provide any information about the Hangor-class submarines’ subsystems or specific weapon systems. The Stirling AIP system is used in China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company’s (CSOC) S26 design, which many experts believe the Hangor is based on; however, Pakistani officials have not publicly revealed the propulsion system of Hangor-class submarines.
According to the Pakistani defense blog Quwa, Hangor-class submarines will measure 76 metres in length and displace 2,800 tonnes. This makes them slightly shorter but noticeably heavier than the original S26 submarine design.
PN currently operates three Agosta 90B air-independent propulsion (AIP) submarines and two Agosta 70 diesel-electric submarines. Three Agosta 90B submarines are undergoing mid-life upgrades under a contract signed in 2016 with the Turkish STM Company as the prime contractor.
STM delivered the first upgraded submarine, PNS Hamza, in 2020. Modernisation includes the replacement of the Fire Control System, Sonar Suite, Electronic Warfare System, Radar, and Periscope System.
Conclusion
The eight Hangor-class submarines will greatly strengthen the Pakistan Navy. Once the project is complete, we expect Pakistan to enhance its A2/AD capabilities in the region. Many anticipate that the Hangor-class submarines will carry Babur-3 SLCMs, although officials have not confirmed the weapon systems. If that happens, Pakistan would finally gain a credible deep strike capability from the sea—an important strategic milestone.
References
- Quwa Defence News—Hangor-Class Submarine Details
- Global Times—Pakistan-China Defence Cooperation
- Naval News—Yuan-Class Submarine Overview
- Pakistan Navy Official Website
- STM Turkey – Agosta 90B Modernization
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