Pakistan, a United States military partner in South Asia, will put its first China-made submarine into service “very soon,” Chinese state media reported on Wednesday.
Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department, the Chinese Defense Ministry, and Pakistan‘s navy for comment by email.
Why It Matters
The nuclear-armed Pakistan is designated by Washington as its Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), according to the U.S. State Department. While this status comes with military and economic privileges, it does not entail any U.S. security commitments to Islamabad.
Pakistan enjoys the so-called “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” with China; both sides have viewed the relationship as a priority and cornerstone of their foreign policy, including high-level security cooperation in combating terrorism.
What To Know
According to the Global Times, Pakistan has signed a deal with China to acquire eight Hangor-class conventionally powered submarines, with each country producing four vessels. The first of the new submarines, built in China, was launched in April last year.
Launching ceremony of 1st #PN #HANGOR Class Submarine held at Shuangliu Base Wuhan,China. #CNS Adm Naveed Ashraf graced occasion as CG. CG emphasized importance of maritime security under prevailing geo strategic environment &PN resolve to ensure regional peace &stability. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/X2CgsUFUpb
— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) April 26, 2024
The initial plan was to deliver the submarines, which are the export variant of the Chinese Type 039B submarines, between 2022 and 2028, specialist outlet Naval News reported.
“The project is proceeding as per the timeline. We expect that these submarines will join the Pakistan Navy fleet very soon,” said Pakistani Admiral Naveed Ashraf, who is the chief of the Naval Staff, during an interview with the Global Times.
The China-Pakistan constructed submarines have what Ashraf called “improved stealth, maneuverability, and firepower,” which will allow the Pakistani navy to carry out a wide range of operations effectively, enhancing its capabilities significantly.
Pakistan’s navy
India, which is Pakistan’s nuclear-armed rival and neighbor, launched a submarine and two warships on Wednesday, bolstering its defense posture in the Indian Ocean as China continued to expand naval presence far away from its shores in East Asia.
In addition to the Hangor-class submarines, Pakistan has ordered and received four Type 054A/P frigates built by China, which is an important project of their naval cooperation.
What People Are Saying
Pakistani Admiral Naveed Ashraf told the Global Times: “While India continues to build its navy, we are not in an arms race. However, we maintain an adequate capacity to accomplish assigned tasks effectively.”
Naval News commented: “The eight Hangor Class submarines will significantly strengthen the Pakistan Navy. Pakistan is likely to improve its A2/AD [anti-access/area denial] capabilities in the region after the project is completed.”
According to the Pentagon, A2/AD is a military strategy designed to prevent an enemy force from entering an operational area, and to limit its freedom of action within the area.
What Happens Next
Beijing is likely to continue its military cooperation with Islamabad. It remains to be seen when the first Hangor-class submarine will be delivered to Pakistan and enter service.
