By Major (r) Haroon Rasheed — Defense and Strategic Analyst
In the high-stakes maritime competition of South Asia, Pakistan has embarked on a transformative journey to modernize its undersea warfare capabilities. At the center of this evolution is the acquisition of the Hangor-class submarines, equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP)—a major technological leap that places the Pakistan Navy ahead of its regional adversary, India, which continues to struggle with AIP integration in its existing submarine fleet.
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Hangor-Class: A Silent Revolution
The Hangor-class submarines, based on China’s Type 039A/041 Yuan-class design, represent a critical step forward in Pakistan Navy’s modernization strategy. Under a 2015 agreement with China, Pakistan is set to induct eight AIP-equipped submarines, with four being built in China and four being constructed indigenously at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW).
In a significant development, the first Hangor-class submarine was launched in China in 2023, marking the transition into the sea trial phase. Launching a submarine signifies that the hull is complete and the vessel is now undergoing extensive testing of systems, sensors, propulsion, and weapon integration. Though not yet commissioned into active service, the start of trials signals that Pakistan is on track to induct the first unit between 2025 and 2026, with full operationalization of the class expected by 2030.
The AIP system is the defining feature of these submarines. It allows them to remain submerged for weeks without surfacing, drastically reducing their detectability and increasing their lethality. Combined with advanced Chinese sonar, torpedoes, and cruise missile capabilities, the Hangor-class will provide Pakistan with a powerful platform for sea denial, intelligence gathering, and second-strike nuclear deterrence.
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India’s Scorpene Program Modern but Incomplete
While Pakistan moves steadily toward fielding an AIP-equipped submarine fleet, India’s Scorpene-class submarines, developed under the long-delayed Project 75 with French collaboration, remain AIP-deficient.
Six Scorpene submarines have been commissioned by the Indian Navy, but none feature AIP systems. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been working on an indigenous AIP module for years, but delays and unproven reliability have prevented integration. The plan now is to retrofit AIP during mid-life upgrades, but that process is unlikely to begin before 2026 or later, and even then, only one submarine at a time can undergo retrofitting.
This technical shortcoming leaves India’s submarine fleet at a comparative disadvantage. Without AIP, the Scorpene-class must surface or snorkel frequently, making them more vulnerable to detection and attack.
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Strategic Implications: Shifting the Undersea Balance
The induction of Hangor-class submarines, even if currently in sea trials, reflects a strategic commitment by Pakistan to maintain credible deterrence and ensure maritime superiority in the Arabian Sea. With AIP giving a significant advantage in underwater endurance and stealth, these submarines will be at the heart of Pakistan’s second-strike capability and sea denial operations.
Moreover, the local assembly of four submarines at KSEW is a major boost to indigenous shipbuilding capacity and technological autonomy, showcasing a long-term vision for self-reliance in naval defense.
In contrast, India’s undersea fleet, while larger in number, is hamstrung by technological delays and bureaucratic inertia. Despite ambitious blue-water navy ambitions, the Indian Navy’s inability to field a single AIP-capable submarine as of 2025 exposes a critical vulnerability in its deterrence posture.
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Conclusion
While India focuses on aircraft carriers and surface fleet expansion, it is Pakistan that is gaining silent dominance beneath the waves. The Hangor-class submarines, now in sea trials, represent not just a technological upgrade—but a doctrinal shift in how Pakistan plans to secure its maritime interests and strategic deterrence.
As the Indo-Pacific becomes increasingly contested, the undersea domain will determine who holds the true advantage. And in that realm, Pakistan has already taken the lead.
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Major (r) Haroon Rasheed is a defense and strategic analyst, member of REC ABAD, and former Joint Secretary PTI Karachi Division. He regularly writes on regional security, defense doctrines, and strategic policy development.
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