China Delivers First Submarine to Pakistan; President Zardari Travels to Sanya to Receive It
In 2015, Pakistan ordered eight submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems from China. On Saturday, May 9, the Chinese Ministry of Defense confirmed that the first submarine had been delivered to Pakistan, describing it as "normal equipment cooperation" between the two countries. According to Pakistani sources, President Zardari personally traveled to Sanya Naval Base in Hainan Province on April 30 to receive the vessel.
The Chinese Ministry of Defense released statements on recent military-related issues in the afternoon of May 9. In response to a question regarding the delivery of the first Han-gor-class conventional-powered submarine, built for Pakistan under the "Qilin" series, Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin stated that this reflects "normal equipment cooperation" between China and Pakistan, as well as their "all-weather strategic partnership." He further emphasized that over the years, the militaries of both nations have maintained "sincere trust and mutual support," achieving significant results in strategic communication, joint exercises and training, personnel education and training, and equipment and technology collaboration—playing an important role in safeguarding national security and regional peace and stability.
According to a report by the Central News Agency citing the Associated Press, the Pakistani military announced on April 30 that the first Hangor-class submarine had been formally delivered to the Pakistan Navy in China. This marks a critical step in the modernization of the Pakistan Navy and represents a major move in expanding defense ties with Beijing.
The delivery ceremony was held at the Sanya Naval Base in Hainan Province. President Zardari attended as the chief guest, alongside Pakistan's Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and senior military officials from both countries.
Zardari visited China from April 25 to May 1, invited by China. During his visit, he said the commissioning of this advanced submarine is a "historic milestone" for the Pakistan Navy, reflecting Islamabad’s determination to maintain a reliable and balanced defense posture.
Pakistan has become one of China’s largest arms buyers in recent years. In 2015, Pakistan signed a contract with China to purchase eight AIP-equipped submarines, worth approximately $5 billion, setting a record at the time as China’s highest-ever arms export deal. The move is widely believed to be aimed at countering India’s enhanced underwater combat capabilities following its acquisition of Kalvari-class (Scorpène-class) submarines from France.
Under the agreement, the first four submarines will be built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed in Pakistan, with China providing technology transfer.
Publicly available information indicates that the "Qilin"-class submarines are export versions based on China’s Yuan-class (NATO reporting name) conventional-powered submarines. Each measures 79.5 meters in length, displaces 2,550 tons, has a maximum speed of 17 to 18 knots, and can dive to a maximum depth of 300 meters. With the AIP system operating, its underwater endurance reaches up to 20 days, and it carries a crew of about 38 personnel.
The "Qilin"-class submarines are equipped with six 533 mm torpedo launch tubes and can also deploy mines and anti-ship missiles.
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864765799332938/
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