Pakistan navy takes lead over India in AIP submarine technology
Wire desk byline Sourced from Xinhua, Dawn, Arab News, Anadolu and Minute Mirror. Translated and abridged by the GSRRA Desk.
The Hangor-class submarines, manufactured in China, are expected to join the Pakistan Navy in the early 2030s
Pakistan navy takes lead over India in AIP submarine technology
Pakistan’s navy has taken a significant lead over India in the field of Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, with further advancements expected.
According to reports, the Pakistan Navy has surpassed the Indian Navy in adopting AIP technology, with Chinese-built Hangor-class submarines set to join its fleet according to schedule.
India’s recent addition of the sixth and final submarine in the P-75 Scorpene project, along with a stealth frigate and guided missile destroyer, is still behind Pakistan’s capabilities.
Despite this, India’s naval fleet remains without any submarines equipped with modern technology, while Pakistan has already integrated three French-made Agosta-90B submarines (PNS Khalid, Saad, and Hamza) into its fleet.
The Hangor-class submarines, manufactured in China, are expected to join the Pakistan Navy in the early 2030s, bringing the total number of AIP-equipped submarines to 11.
These submarines are expected to significantly enhance Pakistan’s underwater naval capabilities.
Pakistan’s naval expansion plan includes an increase in its fleet to 50 warships, which will comprise 20 major vessels, frigates, and corvettes. Alongside, Pakistan is developing a robust submarine fleet, which will consist of 11 submarines.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of Pakistan Navy, told Chinese media that the construction of four Hangor-class submarines is progressing according to schedule.
“These submarines will significantly enhance Pakistan’s naval capabilities, providing the navy with the ability to conduct various operations with powerful weapons,” he said.
“The project is moving forward on track, and we expect these submarines to soon be part of the Pakistan Navy’s fleet,” Admiral Ashraf added.
Reference Link: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2522967/pakistan-navy-takes-lead-over-india-in-aip-submarine-technology
Zamir Ahmed Awan is the founder and Chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance, a think tank in Islamabad. He studied engineering at Shanghai University in the 1980s, and years later he went back to China as Pakistan's science counsellor in Beijing, from 2010 until 2016, working on science and higher education cooperation between the two countries.…
