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New Delhi: China has delivered the third of eight Hangor-class submarines to Pakistan, further strengthening Islamabad's naval capabilities in the Indian Ocean at a time when Beijing is expanding its strategic footprint in the region.
The launching ceremony was held in Wuhan on Thursday, according to state-run Global Times. A second submarine was delivered in March 2025, under the eight-vessel deal between Beijing and Islamabad.
Speaking at the event, Pakistan's Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Project-2, Vice Admiral Abdul Samad, said the Hangor-class submarines—equipped with advanced sensors and cutting-edge weaponry would be "instrumental in sustaining regional power equilibrium and ensuring maritime stability".
According to Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe, the submarines are distinguished by strong underwater combat capabilities, including advanced sensor systems, high mobility, long endurance, stealth features, and formidable firepower.
The handover comes in addition to four modern naval frigates China has supplied to Pakistan in recent years. China is also developing the Gwadar port in Balochistan, which provides it a strategic foothold in the Indian Ocean.
According to SIPRI data, China accounted for 81 per cent of Pakistan's arms imports in recent years. Major acquisitions have included the spy ship Rizwan, more than 600 VT-4 battle tanks, and 36 J-10CE 4.5-generation fighter jets.
The development carries major security implications for India. Coming shortly after the four-day hostilities following the Pahalgam terror attack, closer China–Pakistan naval cooperation in the Indian Ocean, often described as "India’s backyard", will be closely watched in New Delhi as a potential challenge in an already volatile neighbourhood.
