Overview
- PNS Hangor, commissioned on April 30th in Sanya with President Asif Ali Zardari and Admiral Naveed Ashraf present, is the first of eight submarines in Pakistan’s China-backed Hangor program.
- The boat is an export version of China’s Yuan-class design, which analysts say usually ships with less capable sensors, combat software, and noise reduction than vessels kept for China’s own navy.
- After Germany blocked MTU 396 engines in 2021, China installed its CHD620 diesel, which Thailand accepted only after more than 6,000 hours of bench tests, while Pakistan has released no comparable public validation.
- Only the lead boat is in service as three China-built sisters remain in late sea trials and Pakistan-assembled units lag at Karachi Shipyard, pushing full fleet induction into the 2028–2030 window.
- Experts warn the submarines may be easier for India’s growing anti-submarine force, including P-8I patrol planes, to detect, and they flag a $4–5 billion price tag that ties long-term upkeep to Chinese parts and support under tight budgets.