Big challenge for India in Indian Ocean as Pakistan launches Hangor-Class submarine, is it more powerful than Indian Navy’s…?

It is noteworthy that the major deal for the Hunger-Class submarine was finalised during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Islamabad in 2015.

Lahore: In a significant development, the Pakistan Navy has launched the Hunger-Class submarine in China. The submarine was built by China and has now been handed over to the Pakistan Navy. According to an official statement on Saturday, the Pak Navy launched its second Hunger-Class submarine, PNS/M Shushuk, in Wuhan, China. The submarine will strengthen the neighbouring country’s maritime defence capabilities.

It is noteworthy that the major deal for the Hunger-Class submarine was finalised during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Islamabad in 2015. At that time, the deal was signed between the Pakistan Defence Ministry and China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company for the manufacturing of eight ships.

As per the agreement, four submarines were to be built in China, and the remaining four subs were to be built at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works under technology transfer. Deputy Chief of Pakistan Naval Staff Owais Ahmed Bilgrami attended the launch event in Wuhan as the chief guest.

Pakistan Navy launches Hangor class submarine

The Pakistan Navy’s Public Relations Directorate General issued a statement noting that during a ceremony, the Vice Chief of the Navy underscored the importance of maritime security in the current geopolitical climate of the region. He reaffirmed the Navy’s dedication to protecting national interests and fostering a safe maritime environment for all. The statement further indicated that the Hangor class submarines, which are loaded with advanced weapons and sensors, are expected to play a crucial role in maintaining regional power balance and maritime order. Pakistan asserts that these submarines possess radar-evading capabilities, enhancing the country’s deterrence in the Indian Ocean by remaining undetected.

As per Pak officials, the submarine will enable precision strikes at standoff ranges. The Hangor class project is part of Pakistan’s efforts to modernise its naval forces. In 2018, Pakistan also signed a deal with Turkiye to acquire four MILGEM-class corvettes. Apart from this, Pakistan has hired a Turkish weapons company to upgrade its Agosta 90B-class submarines.

India’s Kalvari Class Submarine Vs Pak’s Hangor-Class Submarine

Pak’s Hangor-Class is designed to counter India’s Kalvari-class submarines. The Indian submarine is based on the French Scorpene class. India currently operates six Kalvari class submarines and will induct three more submarines to its navy by 2030. In terms of size, the Pakistani Hangor class is larger than the Indian sub, weighing 1,775 tonnes and measuring 67.5 metres in length. The Hangor class weighs 2,800 tonnes, is 76 metres long and 8.4 metres wide. Its draft (depth of the ship below the water surface) when on the surface is 6.2 metres.

Experts Take?

As per experts, the crews of Pakistani submarines will live a (slightly) more comfortable life in shallow, coastal waters, but on the contrary, this is a huge drawback in terms of submarine operations.

The Indian Kalvari class submarine is much more maneuverable than the Pak submarine. The maximum speed of the Pakistani sub is reported to be 20 knots (37 kmph). The Kalvari class sub runs on diesel-electric propulsion, just like the Pakistani Hangor class. However, the Pakistani submarine is believed to be upgraded with AIP technology, and if this happens, it will be a big advantage. This means that in terms of underwater endurance, the Hangor class potentially has an advantage over the Indian Kalvari class.