Brandon J. Weichert
The first Hangor-class submarine was launched in China in April 2024. The second was launched in March of this year, with a third, PNS Mangro, floated out in August. The submarines have not been commissioned into the Pakistan Navy yet, but according to its leadership, the first batch is expected to enter service in 2026.
Naval News, a trade publication, assesses that the Hangor-class sub uses a Stirling-based air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, which lets it remain submerged longer without surfacing. Army Recognition claims that it is using Chinese CHG620 diesel engines. Earlier plans reportedly involved German engines, but this had to be changed as there were export restrictions imposed upon those German engines going to China.
Pakistan’s new Chinese-made subs have high-strength hull steel and modular construction. These boats are designed with low acoustic signatures to enhance stealth. Six 533mm torpedo tubes are on each Hangor-class. Naval Today believes that these submarines can launch anti-ship cruise missiles.
It is likely that Pakistani Babur-3 submarine-launched cruise missiles (SLCMs) are compatible with these submarines. The Babur-3 would give each Hangor-class a deep strike potential—enhancing the reach and capabilities of Pakistan’s Navy.
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