On 09 December 2021, Karachi Shipyards & Engineering Works (KSEW) cut the steel of the fifth Hangor-class submarine for the Pakistan Navy (PN).
Pakistan bought eight Hangor submarines from China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co. Ltd (CSOC) in 2015. Under the contract, KSEW would manufacture four of the boats, while China will supply the rest.
Collectively, the PN is slated to receive the eight Hangor-class submarines from 2022 to 2028. The Chinese-built boats will arrive first, while the final KSEW-built submarine is due for completion by 2028.
Named in honour of the original PNS Hangor (which sank the Indian Navy frigate INS Khukri in the 1971 War), the Hangor-class is the centerpiece of the PN’s submarine modernization program. Similar in scope to the surface warship acquisitions, the PN is aiming to both revitalize and expand its sub-surface fleet.
Currently, the PN operates three Agosta 90B air-independent propulsion (AIP)-equipped submarines (SSP) and two Agosta 70 diesel-electric submarines (SSK). Previously, the PN also operated four Daphne SSKs, which it acquired in the late 1960s, but it has retired these boats. With the Hangor SSPs, the PN will have a fleet of 11 AIP-equipped boats, which is a relatively significant jump in numbers and capabilities.
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