Follow Us on Google News
China has revealed the inaugural Hangor-class submarine developed for Pakistan, as announced by the Pakistani military.
The Pakistani government had previously entered an agreement with Beijing for the procurement of eight Hangor-class submarines during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan.
The maiden submarine was launched during a ceremony at the Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China, with Pakistan’s Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf in attendance as the chief guest, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media arm.
According to the ISPR, “Under the contract, four submarines will be constructed in China, while the remaining four will be assembled at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Limited in Pakistan.”
“These submarines will be outfitted with advanced weaponry and sensors capable of targeting long-range objectives,” the ISPR added.
The ISPR highlighted that the project signifies a new dimension in the friendship between Pakistan and China. China has emerged as one of Pakistan’s most steadfast allies, and the two nations have collaborated on various defense initiatives in recent years.
Additionally, Beijing is investing upwards of $65 billion in energy and infrastructure ventures in Pakistan as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a crucial component of its Belt and Road Initiative. This initiative aims to provide China with a more efficient and secure trade route to the Middle East and beyond, while also bolstering Pakistan’s economy.