China has launched the first of eight Hangor-class submarines to be built for its all-weather ally Pakistan, to provide the country with state-of-the-art warships, adding a new dimension to their growing bilateral military cooperation.
The launching ceremony, which was held at the Shuangliu base of the Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group (WSIG) on Friday, was attended by Admiral Naveed Ashraf, chief of the Pakistan Navy, Geo News reported.
The development is part of the agreement between Islamabad and Beijing, under which the latter had agreed to provide the former with eight state-of-the-art advanced submarines.
Of the total eight ships, four will be built by WSIG while the remaining four will be built at KS&EW (Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works) under the Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement.
The submarines, with advanced stealth capabilities, will be equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors to operate in a multi-threat environment and engage targets at distances.
During his speech, Admiral Ashraf emphasized the importance of maritime security in the prevailing geostrategic environment and the Navy’s resolve to ensure regional peace and stability.
The Navy chief also underlined that the Hangor-class S/M project will “add a new dimension to Pak-China friendship in all weather conditions and demonstrate strong military cooperation between two countries.”
Friday’s launching ceremony comes after Pakistan started production of the 6th Hangor-class submarine by KS&EW in February earlier this year.
Pakistan maintains close military ties with China, with their bilateral relationship providing for several arms imports by Islamabad from Beijing.
Last year, the Pakistan Navy inaugurated two newly built Chinese Type 054 A/P frigates.
Both countries had signed the contract for four multi-functional frigates in 2018. The first and second ships PNS TUGHRIL and PNS TAIMUR joined the PN fleet in 2022.
