Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf has announced that Pakistan’s first Chinese-designed submarine will become operational next year. Under the agreement between Islamabad and Beijing, Pakistan will receive a total of eight Hangor-class submarines by 2028, with the project progressing smoothly.
According to Admiral Ashraf, the completion of the project will not only enhance Pakistan Navy’s submarine warfare capabilities but also promote technology transfer and skill development at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works.
He said that the Type 054A/P frigates also represent a major milestone in Pakistan-China naval cooperation, strengthening the Navy’s air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime surveillance capabilities.
Admiral Ashraf noted that these advanced platforms are playing a key role in maintaining maritime security in the North Arabian Sea and the broader Indian Ocean, which are vital for global trade and economic stability.
He further added that Pakistan Navy is expanding its collaboration with China in emerging technologies, including unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, and advanced electronic warfare.
Under the agreement, the first four diesel-electric attack submarines will be built in China, while the remaining four will be assembled in Pakistan to enhance domestic technical capacity. So far, three submarines have already been launched at China’s Yangtze River shipyard.
Admiral Ashraf emphasized that Chinese equipment is reliable and well-suited to Pakistan Navy’s operational needs, further strengthening bilateral cooperation in naval training, joint exercises, and defense production.
He concluded that the Pakistan-China maritime partnership is based on mutual trust, friendship, and shared strategic interests, which will continue to expand into new areas such as unmanned systems, marine research, and naval industry development in the coming decade.
