The Pakistan Navy expects the first Chinese-designed Submarine to be put into operation next year, marking a major step forward in China's policy of modernizing its naval force and increasing Beijing's influence in the Indian Ocean.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf said in an interview with the press on November 2 that the agreement to buy 8 Hangor-class subscribers worth about 5 billion USD is being smoothly implemented and will be completed in 2028. The first four are built in China, the rest will be assembled in Pakistan to improve domestic technical capabilities. Three launched launched launched launched launched in the Yangtze River, in Hubei Province.
According to Mr. Ashraf, the Chinese-origin weapons are considered reliable, technologically advanced and in accordance with the combat requirements of the Pakistan Navy. He emphasized that this force is focusing on researching new technologies such as unmanned systems, artificial intelligence and electronic warfare, and seeking deeper cooperation with China in these areas.
The Submarine Agreement is considered a continuation of the strong military relationship between the two countries. Data from the International Peace Research Institute Stockholm shows that in the period of 2020 - 2024, Pakistan accounts for more than 60% of China's arms exports. Islamabad also used a Beijing-made J-10 fighter jet in an air confrontation with India, sparking controversy over the superiority of Western equipment over Chinese weapons.
