China has officially handed over the third Hangor-class submarine to the Pakistan Navy, marking another milestone in the $5 billion defence deal aimed at boosting Islamabad’s underwater warfare capabilities.
The launch ceremony of the submarine, named PNS/M Mangro, took place on August 14, 2025, at the Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd, Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, Hubei Province. The event was attended by senior officials from both countries, including Vice Admiral Abdul Samad, Pakistan’s Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Project-2).
Features of the Hangor-Class Submarines
The Hangor-class, an export variant of China’s Type 039B Yuan-class diesel-electric attack submarine, is equipped with:
- Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology for extended underwater endurance.
- Advanced stealth features, sensors, and mobility.
- Powerful armaments including torpedoes, cruise missiles, and anti-ship missiles.
Each submarine is about 76 meters long, has a hull diameter of 8.4 meters, and displaces 2,800 tons. These features make the class a formidable asset for anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) operations in the region.
China-Pakistan Defence Partnership
Under the contract, four submarines will be built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW) under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) program. This collaboration underscores the growing strategic defence partnership between Beijing and Islamabad.
China has already delivered four advanced Type-054A/P frigates to Pakistan and remains its largest defence supplier. According to SIPRI, over 81% of Pakistan’s military hardware in recent years—including VT-4 battle tanks, J-10CE fighter jets, and the spy ship Rizwan—came from China.
Strategic Significance
Speaking at the launch, Vice Admiral Abdul Samad said the Hangor-class submarines will play a “vital role in maintaining regional power balance and maritime security.” Chinese defence expert Zhang Junshe also highlighted their stealth, endurance, and combat capabilities as a major leap in regional naval strength.
The induction of the Mangro adds to Pakistan’s growing naval power at a time when the Indian Ocean region is becoming increasingly contested. With its base in Gwadar Port, Balochistan, China is simultaneously expanding its maritime footprint, boosting its influence in what India considers its strategic backyard.
$5 Billion Submarine Deal
The eight Hangor-class submarines represent one of China’s largest military export deals. With three already launched, the remaining five are expected to be delivered by the end of the decade. Once inducted, they will significantly enhance Pakistan’s underwater strike capability and reinforce its naval deterrence posture.
