The Pakistan Navy Chinese submarine deal gained momentum after Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf confirmed to Chinese state media that the first vessel from the program is expected to enter active service in the coming year. He said the agreement that will see Islamabad receive eight Hangor class submarines by 2028 is progressing without delays.
According to Admiral Ashraf’s interview with the Global Times, the launch of the second and third submarines in China earlier this year represented a significant achievement for both countries and highlighted the depth of their growing maritime partnership.
Admiral Ashraf explained that the Hangor class initiative is critical for boosting the Pakistan Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities and will also improve national self reliance. He noted that the project includes the transfer of technology and skill development at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works, which will help strengthen Pakistan’s defence industry.
The naval chief added that the advanced Type 054A P frigates mark another key accomplishment in China Pakistan defence cooperation, as these multirole ships are already serving with the Pakistan Navy. He described the vessels as some of the most capable surface combatants in the fleet.
The admiral told the Global Times that these Chinese built frigates have significantly expanded the navy’s multi mission strengths, especially in air defence, anti submarine operations and maritime surveillance. He said these assets play a vital role in maintaining security in the North Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean, an area that supports global economic activity.
His remarks came shortly after a separate military development in which the Pakistan Air Force used Chinese made J 10 jets in May to down an Indian Air Force Rafale, sparking debate among defence analysts over the performance of Western and Chinese systems.
Under the terms of the Pakistan Navy Chinese submarine deal, valued at an estimated five billion dollars, the first four diesel electric attack submarines are being constructed in China while the remaining four will be built in Pakistan. This arrangement is designed to support local technical advancement. Pakistan has already launched three of the submarines into China’s Yangtze River from a shipyard in Hubei province, marking visible progress in the long term agreement.