In a significant move to bolster Pakistan’s naval power, China has delivered the second of eight state-of-the-art Hangor-class submarines as part of a $5 billion defence deal, reinforcing deep military ties between the two allies. This delivery is expected to enhance Pakistan’s maritime capabilities amid China’s growing presence in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, regions of strategic importance to both nations.

China Transfers Second Hangor-Class Submarine to Pakistan

The newly built Hangor-class submarine, equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, was launched in Wuhan, located in China’s Hubei Province, according to official Chinese media reports released on Sunday. The submarine is part of a broader defence contract under which Pakistan will acquire eight submarines from China, significantly upgrading its naval fleet.

Under this agreement, four submarines will be constructed in China, while the remaining four will be built at Karachi Shipyard under a transfer-of-technology arrangement, as confirmed by the Pakistan Navy in an official press statement.

Strategic Significance of the Submarine Deal

This submarine delivery marks another milestone in China’s efforts to strengthen Pakistan's naval capabilities, particularly in the strategically vital Arabian Sea, where China is also developing the deep-water Gwadar port in Balochistan. The partnership aims to expand both nations' influence in the Indian Ocean, often regarded as India’s strategic backyard.

According to Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military expert quoted by state-run Global Times, the Hangor-class submarine features "strong comprehensive combat capabilities" and is designed to become a critical asset for the Pakistan Navy. Zhang noted that these submarines are equipped with an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, significantly boosting their stealth, endurance, and underwater manoeuvrability.

"The submarine possesses strong underwater combat capabilities, equipped with advanced air-independent propulsion, torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, mine-laying capacity, and modern underwater detection systems," Zhang said.

Growing Defence Cooperation Between China and Pakistan

China has been a key supplier of advanced military hardware to Pakistan, solidifying their defense partnership. According to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China provided about 81 percent of Pakistan’s advanced military systems over the past five years, making Pakistan the largest recipient of Chinese arms exports.

Between 2020 and 2024, Pakistan accounted for 63 percent of China’s total arms exports, with the total value reaching approximately $5.28 billion. During this period, Pakistan acquired a range of sophisticated military systems, including long-range reconnaissance drones, modern naval frigates, tanks, fighter jets, and its first-ever spy ship.

Among these acquisitions are over 600 VT-4 battle tanks, 36 J-10CE 4.5-generation fighter jets, and the Type 054A guided-missile frigates, four of which China has already delivered to Pakistan in recent years. These advanced frigates are now key components of Pakistan's expanding naval fleet.

China delivered the first batch of J-10CE multirole fighter jets to the Pakistan Air Force in 2022. These fighters have joined the JF-17 fleet, a fourth-generation combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. Notably, Pakistan inducted the JF-17 Block III variant, featuring active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, into its air force in 2023, marking a significant upgrade in air combat capabilities.

Potential Future Defence Deals

Song Zhongping, a well-known Chinese military commentator and former instructor in China’s armed forces, told the South China Morning Post that China might also consider exporting its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the J-35, to Pakistan if Islamabad expresses interest. The J-35 is a cutting-edge stealth multirole fighter, and such a deal would represent a further leap in Pakistan’s air power.

“If Pakistan requests it, China may export the J-35 stealth fighter jet,” Song said, highlighting the possibility of even deeper military collaboration in the future.

Strengthening Regional Military Balance

The ongoing submarine deliveries and broader military cooperation reflect an evolving strategic alliance between China and Pakistan. These developments come as both nations seek to strengthen their military presence in the region, especially in light of India’s expanding naval and air power. As the partnership progresses, Pakistan’s defence capabilities are expected to grow significantly, with the advanced Hangor-class submarines forming a central part of its naval modernisation efforts.

China’s role as Pakistan’s principal defence supplier continues to shape the regional security landscape, with major implications for the balance of power in South Asia and the wider Indian Ocean region.