Pakistan’s Hangor-Class Submarines to Enter Service in 2026

Milivox analysis: Pakistan’s induction of Chinese-built Hangor-class submarines from 2026 marks a significant shift in the undersea balance of power in the Indian Ocean. These air-independent propulsion (AIP) capable boats will enhance Islamabad’s second-strike capability and challenge India’s maritime dominance.

Background

The Pakistan Navy is on track to receive its first batch of Hangor-class submarines by 2026 as part of an ambitious modernization program aimed at countering India’s growing naval capabilities. The class is derived from China’s Type 039B (Yuan-class) diesel-electric attack submarine design and represents one of the largest Sino-Pak defense collaborations to date.

The deal for eight submarines was signed in 2015 between Pakistan and China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company (CSOC), with four units to be built in China and four domestically at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW). According to official statements from Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production and CSOC releases reviewed by Milivox, construction has progressed steadily despite COVID-era delays.

Technical Overview

The Hangor-class is a customized export variant of the Chinese Type 039B Yuan-class submarine. It features:

Length: Approximately 77 meters
Displacement: Estimated at ~2,800 tons submerged
Propulsion: Diesel-electric with Stirling-type air-independent propulsion (AIP)
Diving Depth: Over 300 meters operational depth
Crew: Around 38 personnel

The most critical feature is its AIP system that allows extended submerged endurance—reportedly up to two weeks without snorkeling—which significantly enhances stealth during patrols. The platform also integrates advanced sonar suites likely sourced from Chinese systems such as the H/SQG-207 flank array or equivalent export variants.

The Hangor class is expected to be armed with heavyweight torpedoes and possibly sub-launched cruise missiles (SLCMs). While official confirmation is lacking, regional analysts suggest that the Babur-3 nuclear-capable SLCM—tested by Pakistan from an underwater platform in recent years—could eventually be integrated into this class, giving Islamabad a credible second-strike capability.

Operational or Strategic Context

The induction of these submarines comes amid intensifying maritime competition between India and Pakistan. India operates a larger fleet including nuclear-powered SSBNs (Arihant-class) and modern SSKs like the Scorpène-class Kalvari boats. However, the addition of eight modern AIP-equipped submarines would significantly enhance Pakistan’s ability to conduct sea denial operations across key chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz and Arabian Sea approaches.

Pakistan currently operates three Agosta-90B submarines with French MESMA AIP modules but these are aging platforms nearing obsolescence. The Hangors will replace them over time while expanding fleet size. According to Milivox experts, this will allow for sustained undersea presence—a capability previously unattainable for Islamabad due to limited hull availability and endurance constraints.

This development also aligns with China’s broader strategy of expanding influence across the Indo-Pacific via defense exports and port infrastructure projects under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The presence of Chinese-origin subs in Gwadar or Karachi could have long-term implications for regional surveillance architectures led by QUAD nations.

Market or Industry Impact

The $4–5 billion Hangor program stands as one of China’s most significant conventional submarine export deals. It underscores Beijing’s emergence as a viable alternative supplier to Western naval systems—particularly for countries under arms embargoes or budget constraints.

This deal has also catalyzed industrial capacity building within Pakistan. KSEW has reportedly received extensive technology transfer packages including modular construction techniques and systems integration training. If successful, this could position KSEW as a regional hub for future maintenance or even third-party exports under Chinese licensing frameworks.

The project may also influence other nations considering cost-effective AIP-capable platforms outside European offerings like ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems’ Type-214 or Naval Group’s Scorpène designs. For example, Bangladesh has expressed interest in expanding its own submarine fleet; similar export models could follow based on lessons learned from the Hangor program.

Milivox Commentary

As assessed by Milivox experts, while India retains qualitative superiority via SSBNs/SSNs and more advanced ISR networks, Pakistan’s acquisition of eight modern AIP subs significantly complicates New Delhi’s anti-submarine warfare planning. The potential integration of nuclear-capable cruise missiles would further elevate strategic risks during crises.

This development also reflects a maturing defense-industrial relationship between Beijing and Islamabad that now spans airpower (JF-17), land systems (VT-4 tanks), UAVs (Wing Loong II), and now undersea warfare domains. It remains unclear how interoperable these platforms are with existing Pakistani C4ISR infrastructure—a factor that will determine their real-world effectiveness post-induction.

If delivered on schedule starting in late 2026 through early 2030s—as suggested by open-source satellite imagery analysis—the Hangors may usher in a new era where both South Asian rivals field credible underwater deterrents backed by domestic production pipelines.