The Pakistan Navy is set to induct its first Chinese-designed submarine into active service next year, according to Admiral Naveed Ashraf. Speaking to China’s Global Times, the naval chief said the project is moving forward as planned and will significantly strengthen Pakistan’s maritime defense capabilities.
Under the agreement, Islamabad will receive eight Hangor-class submarines from China by 2028. The deal, reportedly worth around $5 billion, includes the construction of the first four submarines in China, while the remaining four will be built in Pakistan. This arrangement is expected to enhance Pakistan’s technical and industrial expertise in naval shipbuilding.
Admiral Ashraf stated that the project “is progressing smoothly” and will improve the Navy’s ability to patrol the North Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. He also noted that Chinese-origin defense platforms have proven reliable and well-suited to Pakistan Navy’s operational requirements.
Three of the submarines have already been launched into China’s Yangtze River from a shipyard in Hubei province. The new submarines are part of Pakistan’s efforts to boost deterrence and balance regional naval power against India, which already operates a mix of nuclear-powered and diesel-electric submarines.
Admiral Ashraf also emphasized the importance of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and advanced electronic warfare. He said the Pakistan Navy is actively exploring partnerships with China in these areas to modernize its operations.
Islamabad remains one of Beijing’s key defense partners. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Pakistan accounted for more than 60% of China’s total arms exports between 2020 and 2024.
Beyond defense, China continues to expand its strategic influence through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key component of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative. The 3,000-kilometer corridor connects China’s Xinjiang region to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, providing Beijing with direct access to the Arabian Sea and the Middle East.
Admiral Ashraf said cooperation between the two nations “goes beyond hardware,” reflecting “a shared strategic vision and long-standing partnership.” He added that the next decade will bring even deeper collaboration in research, training, and industrial development between both navies.
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