The Pakistan Navy is set to commission its first Chinese-designed submarine next year, marking a significant strengthening of military ties with China amid regional tensions. According to Pakistan’s top admiral, the naval force is smoothly progressing with a deal to acquire eight Hangor-class submarines by 2028, enhancing Pakistan’s capabilities in the North Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. This development coincides with recent military shows of Chinese weaponry, such as Pakistan’s use of Chinese J-10 fighter jets to intercept an Indian Rafale aircraft, raising questions about the effectiveness of Western versus Chinese military technology.
The $5 billion submarine deal involves the construction of four submarines in China, with the remaining four to be assembled in Pakistan, aiming to boost local technical expertise. Pakistan has already launched three submarines into the Yangtze River, demonstrating operational progress. Admiral Ashraf highlighted the reliability and advanced technology of Chinese platforms, which meet Pakistan’s operational needs. He also emphasised Pakistan’s interest in emerging military technologies, such as unmanned systems and AI, and sought collaboration with China in these areas.
Pakistan’s longstanding arms partnership with China includes over 60% of its weapons imports from Beijing, according to SIPRI. Beyond military hardware, China is investing heavily in regional infrastructure through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major component of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative. The 3,000 km corridor connects China’s Xinjiang province to the Pakistani port of Gwadar, ensuring secure energy supplies from the Middle East while bypassing strategic chokepoints, such as the Malacca Strait. Additionally, the corridor extends China’s influence into Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Iran, effectively encircling India.
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India operates three indigenous nuclear submarines and several diesel-electric vessels from France, Germany, and Russia. Pakistan’s burgeoning military relationship with China marks a strategic shift, with a focus on technological sharing, interoperability, and regional influence. Admiral Ashraf expressed confidence that this partnership would deepen over the coming decade, shaping the future of regional security and power projection.
