Pakistan Surpasses Indian Navy in AIP Submarine Tech

The Indian Navy recently celebrated the induction of its sixth and final Scorpene-class submarine under the P-75 project, alongside a stealth frigate and a guided missile destroyer. However, this accomplishment falls short in one critical area: Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, which remains absent in India’s submarine fleet. In stark contrast, Pakistan’s Navy has been making significant strides, with the Chinese-built Hangor-class submarines set to join its fleet as scheduled, marking a game-changing development in South Asia’s naval dynamics.

Pakistan’s Edge in AIP Technology

India currently does not operate any AIP-equipped submarines, whereas all three of Pakistan’s French-built Agosta-90B submarines (PNS Khalid, PNS Saad, and PNS Hamza) are powered by AIP systems. These advanced submarines can remain submerged for extended periods, enhancing their stealth and operational capabilities.

Looking ahead, Pakistan is expected to integrate up to eight Hangor-class submarines into its naval arsenal by the late 2020s and early 2030s. This addition will increase Pakistan’s fleet of AIP-equipped submarines to 11, a move that could significantly alter the naval balance in the Indian Ocean region.

Despite economic challenges, Pakistan’s commitment to modernizing its naval forces is evident. The Pakistan Navy is also expanding its surface fleet, aiming to operate 50 warships, including 20 major vessels such as frigates and corvettes. This ambitious strategy underscores Pakistan’s intent to counter India’s naval dominance and assert its influence in regional waters.

The Hangor-Class Advantage

The Hangor-class submarines, derived from China’s advanced Yuan-class S-26 variants, are tailored to Pakistan’s operational needs. These submarines feature improved stealth, maneuverability, and firepower. With a displacement of 2,800 tons, the Hangor-class is slightly larger than the standard S-26 but maintains the same payload capacity of six torpedo tubes and a Stirling-based AIP system.

While initial delays arose due to Germany withholding export licenses for its MTU diesel engines, Pakistan pivoted to Chinese CHD-620 diesel engines to power the Hangor-class. This decision allowed the program to stay on track, with construction progressing as per schedule. Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan, affirmed that these submarines would significantly enhance Pakistan’s maritime capabilities and operational effectiveness.

AIP Technology: A Strategic Game-Changer

AIP technology bridges the gap between nuclear-powered submarines and conventional diesel-electric ones. It enables a submarine to stay submerged for 10 to 14 days without surfacing, unlike conventional submarines, which must surface every 48 hours to recharge their batteries. This prolonged underwater endurance enhances stealth and reduces the risk of detection.

The fuel-cell-based AIP system used in Pakistan’s submarines generates hydrogen onboard, further enhancing operational efficiency. These advancements align with Pakistan’s sea denial strategy, emphasizing the use of submarines and missile-carrying maritime patrol aircraft to challenge adversaries.

India’s Struggles with AIP Integration

India’s submarine fleet, comprising 17 conventional submarines, has yet to integrate AIP technology. The Scorpene-class submarines under Project 75 are slated for retrofitting with an indigenous AIP system, beginning with the INS Kalvari during its first major refit. This complex process involves cutting the submarine into halves to insert an AIP section, increasing its length and weight.

However, the retrofitting process is time-intensive, taking at least a year per submarine. Furthermore, India’s aging Shishumar and Sindhughosh-class submarines face operational challenges due to their reliance on spare parts from Russia, which has been affected by the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

India is also exploring foreign vendors to develop AIP-equipped submarines under Project 75I. While Germany and Spain have demonstrated their systems, a final decision remains pending. Given the delays, these submarines may not enter service until the mid-2030s, leaving India at a strategic disadvantage in the interim.

China-Pakistan Naval Cooperation

China’s strategic support has been instrumental in Pakistan’s naval modernization. In addition to the Hangor-class submarines, Pakistan has inducted four Type 054A/P frigates, bolstering its surface fleet. Equipped with cutting-edge weaponry, including CM-302 surface-to-surface missiles and LY-80 surface-to-air missiles, these frigates enhance Pakistan’s warfighting capabilities and operational flexibility.

Admiral Ashraf highlighted the integration of Type 054A/P frigates into the Pakistan Navy’s fleet, emphasizing their ability to operate under multi-threat scenarios. These developments, coupled with Pakistan’s increasing focus on the Western Indian Ocean, reflect a broader strategy to challenge India’s naval supremacy.

Implications for Regional Security

The rapid modernization of Pakistan’s navy, backed by Chinese technology, presents a significant challenge to India’s maritime strategy. With enhanced underwater endurance, cutting-edge weaponry, and strategic cooperation, Pakistan is positioning itself as a formidable naval power in the Indian Ocean region.

India’s delayed progress in AIP integration and reliance on aging submarines exacerbate the gap. As Pakistan’s fleet grows stronger, the balance of power in the region could shift, heightening tensions and sparking a renewed focus on naval modernization in South Asia.

Source :  Global Times