The Pakistan Navy has taken a significant lead over India in the field of air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology, and further progress is expected.
The Pakistan Navy has reportedly surpassed the Indian Navy in adopting AIP technology, with Chinese-built Hangor-class submarines expected to join its fleet as per schedule.
India’s recent addition of the sixth and final submarine to the P-75 Scorpene project, along with a stealth frigate and a guided-missile destroyer, still falls short of Pakistan’s capabilities.
Despite this, the Indian naval fleet remains devoid of submarines equipped with modern technologies, while Pakistan has already integrated three French-made Agosta-90B submarines (PNS Khalid, Saad and Hamza) into its fleet.
The Chinese-made Hangor-class submarines are expected to join the Pakistan Navy in the early 2030s, bringing the total number of AIP-equipped submarines to 11.
These submarines are expected to significantly improve Pakistan’s underwater naval capabilities.
Pakistan’s naval expansion plan calls for an increase in its fleet to 50 warships, which will include 20 major ships, frigates and corvettes. At the same time, Pakistan is developing a robust submarine fleet, consisting of 11 submarines.
Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf told Chinese media that construction of four Hangor-class submarines was progressing as planned.
“These submarines will significantly enhance Pakistan’s naval capabilities, providing the navy with the capability to carry out various operations with powerful weapons,” he said.
“The project is moving on the right track and we hope that these submarines will soon become part of the Pakistan Navy fleet,” Admiral Ashraf added.