Pakistan’s navy has taken a significant lead over India in the field of air independent propulsion (AIP) technology, and further advancements are expected.
The Pakistan Navy has reportedly surpassed the Indian Navy in adopting AIP technology, and Chinese-built Hangor-class submarines will join its fleet as planned.
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, is still behind Pakistan’s capabilities.
Despite this, India’s naval fleet remains without submarines equipped with modern technology, 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 enhance Pakistan’s underwater naval capabilities.
Pakistan’s naval expansion plan includes an increase in its fleet to 50 warships, which will comprise 20 large ships, frigates and corvettes. Furthermore, Pakistan is developing a strong submarine fleet, which will consist of 11 submarines.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf, head of Pakistan’s Navy, told Chinese media that construction of four Hangor-class submarines is progressing as planned.
“These submarines will significantly enhance Pakistan’s naval capabilities, providing the navy with the capability to conduct various operations with powerful weapons,” he said.
“The project is on track and we hope that these submarines will soon be part of the Pakistan Navy fleet,” Admiral Ashraf added.
