New Delhi, June 5: Despite Pakistan’s struggling economy, its defense procurement remains robust, largely supported by China. The latter plays a crucial role in modernizing Pakistan’s army, navy, and air force.
To bolster its underwater warfare capabilities, Pakistan has entered into a deal with China to acquire eight Yuan-class air-independent propulsion (AIP) submarines under Project S-26. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy is rapidly advancing its Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) shallow water craft project to target enemy submarines. So far, four ASW shallow water crafts—INS Arnala, INS Androth, INS Mahe, and INS Anjadip—have been inducted into the Navy.
In this series, ‘Agre’ and ‘Malwan’ are set to become official parts of the Indian Navy soon. Both vessels have already been handed over to the Navy. In 2019, a contract was signed for the construction of 16 ASW shallow water crafts, with eight being built at Cochin Shipyard and the other eight at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
These warships are distinguished by their advanced anti-submarine capabilities. They are equipped with anti-submarine rocket launchers, lightweight torpedoes, a 30 mm naval gun, ASW combat suits, hull-mounted sonar, and low-frequency variable depth sonar. They can operate at speeds of approximately 25 knots and cover distances of about 3,300 kilometers. Their ability to detect enemy submarines at a range of 100 to 150 nautical miles from the coast makes them highly effective.
These vessels can locate, track, and destroy submarines operating at depths of 30 to 40 meters. Additionally, they ensure safe and unobstructed maritime routes for larger warships.
Currently, Pakistan’s first Chinese-origin Hangor-class submarine is present in the Indian Ocean region. Intelligence reports indicate that this submarine, having departed from China, is currently docked in Sri Lanka after passing through the Sunda Strait via Malaysia and Indonesia. Its final destination is the Karachi naval base.
Sources reveal that since leaving China, this submarine has not submerged even once and has completed its journey on the surface. It is being escorted by two Pakistani warships—PNS Taimur and PNS Aslat. It is expected to reach Karachi via the Arabian Sea soon. Intelligence reports suggest that both Pakistani and Chinese crews are aboard this submarine.
Of the eight Hangor-class submarines Pakistan is acquiring, four are being built in China, while the remaining four are under construction at Karachi Shipyard through a transfer of technology (ToT) agreement. The Hangor class is an export version of China’s Type-039B Yuan-class submarine. A deal worth approximately $5 to $6 billion was signed between China and Pakistan in 2015.
While the Hangor-class submarines are relatively new, various reports have pointed out some technical shortcomings, particularly related to propulsion systems and sensors. Their larger size is also believed to limit their maneuverability.
Reports indicate that due to restrictions, Germany’s MTU diesel engines were unavailable, forcing China to use its CHD-620 engines. A submarine’s greatest strength lies in its stealth capabilities. Experts believe that some Chinese diesel-electric submarines generate more noise compared to modern Western submarines, making them easier to detect.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the AIP (Air-Independent Propulsion) system. Defense analysts argue that China’s technology is not fully tested, raising questions about its reliability. Some defense experts also believe that the technology being provided to Pakistan is less advanced than the cutting-edge systems used by China’s own navy.
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