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Islamabad/Beijing: China has formally handed over a hangor-class Submarine to Pakistan during a Ceremony Held at the Wuchang Shipyard in Wuhan. This delivery marks an important development in Pakistan’s naval modernisation efforts. Chinese media described the submarine as a notable advancement with strategic implications for the region, while Pakistani Authorities have presented it as a aus Capabilities.

However, Important Operational Questions Remain Regarding The Submarine’s Integration INTO The Fleet and the Extent to which Pakistan can fully utilize its features.

The Hangor-Class Submarine, An Export Variant of China’s Yuan-Class Platform, Is Equipped With Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP), Advanced Sensors and StealThe Features. Although the vessel has been launched, it is not yet combat-redy. Key Phases Such as Outfitting, Sea Trials and Extensive Crew Training Are Still Required.

In Previous Procurements of Chinese-Origin Military Equipment, Including Frigates, Survelance Vessels and Tanks, Pakistan have encountered delays and performance challenges of the transportation of Assets Into Real Capability.

Technical profile, engineering challenges

The aip system enables submarines to remain submerged for extended periods without surfacing, an advantage in underwater operations. The Hangor-Class Utilies The CHD-620 engine, which is a chinese reverse-enginered version of the German MTU-396 Diesel Engine.

Germany Ceased Exports of the Original Engine, Prompting China to develop its own version. The CHD-620, however, lacques a strong record of operational use outside China and remains untested across forest navies in long-term deployments.

Thailand’s Own Yuan-Class Submarine Project Has Facted ProLonged Delays of Over 1,200 Days DUES DUE to UncertainTies Around the Same PowerPlant. In Submarine Warfare, Engine Noise and Relibility are vital factors. Excessive Noise or Mechanical Instability Can Compromise a Submarine’s Stealth Profile.

The Indian Navy’s expanding undera surveillance infrastructure is particularly adept at identity Although aip extends underwater enduance, it does not inharently Reduce Detectability or Eliminate Regional Geographic Limitations.

India’s expanding maritime surveillance, asw capabilites

India has ben steadily building a layered and integrated anti-submarine warfare (asw) network in the Arabian Sea. This development creates significant operational hurdles for any Pakistani submarine deployment.

Given Pakistan’s Geographic Position, Submarines Departing from Karachi or Ormara Must Travel Through Shallow and Acoustically Noisy Coastal Waters, Areas Under Consentant Monitoring by Indian Asw UNITES.

DURING Previous Tensions, Such as Thos Surrounding Operation Sindoor, Pakistan repositioned Naval Assets Closer to the Iranian Border or Gwadar Port to Avoid Exposure. The Indian Navy Continues to Strengthen Its Maritime Dominance. The upcoming Commission of Ins Arnala (June 2025), Supported by Shaallow-Water Asw Crafts, P-8i Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft, MH-60R SEAHAWK Helicopters and Kamorta-CORVETTES Armed with indigenous varunastra torpedoes, will significantly enhance India’s detection and engine capability.

India has also deployed underwater sensor arrays and the maareech anti-torpedo decoy system to reinforce its kill chain. These Systems Create a Dense Survelance Zone that Any Hangor-Class Submarine must Traverse if it Attempts Operational Deployment. This Level of Maritime Domain Awareness Presents Persistent Risks for Pakistan’s undeerse fleet.

As Pakistan Continues to Receive Additional Hangor-Class submarines, full operational readiness remains a future Milestone. By the time the third vessel completes trials and enters service, India is projection to have further consolidated its surveillance infrastructure and offensive capability This evolving environment highlights the operational challenges pakistan may face in deploying its submarine fleet effectively.