Hangor-Class (S26) Submarine Program – Quwa

With a deal for 3 Sort 214 submarines falling by, in 2011, the Pakistan Navy (PN) began talks with China Shipbuilding & Offshore Worldwide Co. Ltd (CSOC) for six air-independent propulsion (AIP)-equipped submarines. In April 2015, the Pakistani authorities permitted the acquisition, however of eight AIP-equipped submarines which, on the time, the Ministry of Defence Manufacturing (MoDP) termed because the S20.

Studies in regards to the submarine deal pegged its worth at $4-5 billion US (Monetary Instances), nevertheless it was unlikely to incorporate solely the submarines. Nevertheless, in late 2017 and early 2018, the PN signed offers for 4 Sort 054A/P frigates from China. It’s doable that the $4-5 billion US determine included these ships.

In August 2016, the Chief Undertaking Director of the Navy’s new submarine program disclosed to the Nationwide Meeting’s Standing Committee on Defence that the primary 4 of those submarines are due in 2022-2023, and the remaining 4 by 2028. The final 4 shall be constructed by Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW)

In January 2017, the then Chief of Naval Workers (CNS) of the PN, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, introduced that the brand new Chinese language submarines can be christened the Hangor-class, in honour of the Daphne diesel-electric submarines (SSK) the PN procured from France within the late Sixties.

The PN didn’t disclose the subsystems or particular weapon programs of the brand new Hangor-class submarine, nor did it reveal the kind of AIP the submarines will use. Nevertheless, CSOC’s S26 design, which numerous observers imagine the Hangor relies on, makes use of a Stirling AIP system. Thailand is procuring three S26Ts for $1.04 billion US, i.e., roughly $347 million US per submarine.

Hangor Submarine Specs

Through the 2018 Worldwide Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS), KSEW revealed a scale mock-up of the Hangor submarine in addition to a few of its specs. Just like the S26 design, the Hangor mannequin confirmed six torpedo tubes for heavyweight torpedoes and anti-ship cruising missiles (ASCM).

However the Hangor additionally had numerous variations, primarily a heavier displacement (2,800 tons vs. the S26’s 2,550 tons). Furthermore, it appeared that KSEW didn’t disclose the utmost cruising of the Hangor. The Hangor’s hull was additionally barely shorter (76 m vs. the S26’s 77.7 m).

To this point, these are the one official or verifiable particulars of the brand new Hangor submarine. Nevertheless, along with heavyweight torpedoes and ASCMs, the PN is probably going to make use of submarine-launched cruise missiles (SLCM) from the Hangor as effectively, notably the Babur 3 SLCM, which has a said vary of 450 km.

Present Standing of the Hangor Submarine Program

The Pakistan Navy’s Hangor-class submarine program started in April 2015 when the Ministry of Defence Manufacturing permitted the acquisition of eight air-independent propulsion (AIP) submarines from China. 

Nevertheless, this system confronted delays as a consequence of Germany withholding export licenses for MTU diesel engines, forcing Pakistan to change to Chinese language CHD-620 diesel engines. The COVID-19 pandemic seemingly brought on extra setbacks.

Regardless of these challenges, progress has been made.

The primary Chinese language-built submarine, PNS Hangor, was launched for sea trials on April 26, 2024, from Wuchang Shipbuilding’s Shuangliu Base in Wuhan. It’s anticipated to affix the Pakistan Navy fleet “very quickly,” in accordance with a January 2024 assertion by CNS Admiral Naveed Ashraf.

The second submarine, PNS Shushuk, was launched for sea trials on March 15, 2025, from the identical facility. In the meantime, development of the KSEW-built items has additionally commenced.

The metal slicing ceremony for the fifth submarine (first KSEW-built) happened in December 2021, and it’s at present in an “superior stage of development.”

The keel laying ceremony for the sixth submarine (second KSEW-built) was held on February 15, 2025, at KSEW.

To arrange for the Hangor-class induction, Pakistan introduced in 2020 that China would ship a Yuan-class submarine on lease for coaching functions.

Notice: Quwa will replace this web page because the PN and/or KSEW disclose extra particulars.

Study Extra Concerning the Pakistan Navy’s Submarine Modernization and Procurement Plans:

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