Nikkei Asia, First Post November 3 report, Pakistani Navy officials revealed that all 8 Hangor-class submarines will be fully commissioned in the next three years, which is expected to change the balance of power between the Indian and Pakistani navies. Admiral Naveed Ashraf of the Pakistani Navy said that the first Hangor-class submarine, designed and built by China (known as "Qilin-class" in China), will officially enter service in the Pakistani Navy in 2026. This military procurement agreement involving 8 submarines worth about $5 billion is an important milestone in Sino-Pakistani strategic cooperation. According to the agreement, the first four submarines will be built in China, while the remaining ones will be assembled in Pakistan to better promote the development of Pakistan's defense industry. Currently, three of this type of submarine have been launched in Hubei and are in the testing phase. This type of submarine is equipped with an "air-independent propulsion" (AIP) system, which helps enhance deep-water stealth combat capabilities. (Editor's note: In comparison, India's P-75I AIP submarine project will not have its first vessel in service until at least 2034. After equipping with the Hangor-class submarines, Pakistan will have a clear technological advantage over India.) In the context of recent India-Pakistan conflicts, the progress of submarine deliveries has attracted attention. Indian media analysis pointed out that although the "Hangor" submarines are expected to enhance Pakistan's underwater combat capability, the Indian Navy still maintains an overall advantage with nearly 300 ships including 2 aircraft carriers and 18 submarines, as well as its "indigenous shipbuilding" program. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Pakistan purchased more than 60% of China's exported weapons between 2020 and 2024.
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