Pakistan, a key US military partner in South Asia, is set to receive its first submarine built in China, according to Chinese state media. The submarine, part of an eight-vessel deal between Pakistan and China, is expected to join the Pakistan Navy fleet very soon. This development comes amidst a strategic rivalry between India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed nations, and China's growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean region. The delivery of the submarine is seen as a significant boost to Pakistan's naval capabilities and a deepening of its military ties with China.
Pakistan, a key US military partner in South Asia, is poised to commission its first submarine built in China 'very soon,' according to Chinese state media reports on Wednesday. Newsweek has reached out to the US State Department, the Chinese Defense Ministry, and Pakistan's navy for comment. This development carries significant implications as Pakistan, a nuclear-armed state, holds the designation of Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) from Washington.
This status grants Pakistan military and economic benefits but does not obligate the US to provide security guarantees to Islamabad. Pakistan also maintains a close 'all-weather strategic cooperative partnership' with China, prioritizing high-level security cooperation, including counter-terrorism efforts.According to the Global Times, Pakistan has agreed to acquire eight Hangor-class conventionally powered submarines from China, with each nation constructing four vessels. The first submarine, built in China, was launched in April last year. Originally planned for delivery between 2022 and 2028, the project is reportedly on track, according to Pakistani Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, who spoke to the Global Times. He stated, 'The project is proceeding as per the timeline. We expect that these submarines will join the Pakistan Navy fleet very soon.' These submarines, based on the Chinese Type 039B design, are touted to possess 'improved stealth, maneuverability, and firepower,' significantly enhancing the Pakistani navy's operational capabilities. This comes as India, Pakistan's nuclear-equipped rival and neighbor, launched a submarine and two warships on Wednesday, strengthening its defense posture in the Indian Ocean. China, meanwhile, continues to expand its naval presence far from its shores in East Asia.In addition to the Hangor-class submarines, Pakistan has already acquired and received four Type 054A/P frigates from China, highlighting the growing naval cooperation between the two nations. Pakistani Admiral Naveed Ashraf, speaking to the Global Times, stated, 'While India continues to build its navy, we are not in an arms race. However, we maintain an adequate capacity to accomplish assigned tasks effectively.' Naval News commented that the eight Hangor Class submarines 'will significantly strengthen the Pakistan Navy,' potentially improving its A2/AD capabilities in the region upon completion.The Pentagon defines A2/AD as a military strategy aimed at preventing an enemy force from entering a designated operational area and hindering its freedom of action within that area. Looking ahead, Beijing is likely to continue its military cooperation with Islamabad. It remains to be seen when the first Hangor-class submarine will be delivered to Pakistan and operationalized
CHINA PAKISTAN SUBMARINE MILITARY COOPERATION NAVY INDIA ASIA US
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