Shockwaves in the Arabian Sea: China-Pakistan Submarine Collaboration to Bolster Pakistan Navy

In a groundbreaking development, the Pakistan Navy is gearing up to welcome cutting-edge submarines developed under a China-Pakistan cooperation project. This strategic move is poised to shift the balance of power in the Indian Ocean region, as confirmed by Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, in an exclusive interview with Global Times.

This revelation is a testament to the deep-rooted "iron brotherhood" between the two nations, signaling a significant leap forward in Pakistan’s naval capabilities and regional influence. The submarines, part of the ambitious Hangor-class project, are expected to join the fleet imminently, marking a new era of technological prowess and strategic deterrence for Pakistan.

AMAN-25 Exercise: A Global Display of Unity

Pakistan is set to host the AMAN-25 multinational naval exercise in February in Karachi, where the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy will take center stage. Admiral Ashraf highlighted the historic partnership, emphasizing the PLA Navy’s consistent participation in previous AMAN exercises. He expressed high hopes for their active involvement in the upcoming event, which aims to enhance regional maritime cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and interoperability among participating navies.

The AMAN-25 exercise will also debut the AMAN Dialogue, a platform for discussing maritime security challenges and exploring avenues for cooperation in the blue economy. Ashraf underscored the significance of this dialogue, expecting it to attract leaders from major naval powers, including China.

Naval Collaboration at Unprecedented Heights

Beyond joint exercises, China and Pakistan have cemented their naval ties through the development of advanced military platforms. The delivery of four Type 054A/P frigates, equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, has significantly enhanced Pakistan’s operational flexibility and warfighting capabilities. These multi-role frigates have become the backbone of Pakistan’s naval fleet, showcasing the enduring friendship between the two nations.

In another remarkable achievement, the joint construction of eight Hangor-class submarines has reached a pivotal stage. Four submarines are being built in China, while the remaining four are assembled in Pakistan, transferring critical submarine-building technology to Islamabad. The first Hangor-class submarine was launched in April 2024, signaling Pakistan’s entry into the league of nations with advanced submarine capabilities.

Shocking Impact on Regional Power Dynamics

The induction of these cutting-edge platforms is expected to send shockwaves through the region, particularly as India continues its naval expansion, including the commissioning of its first domestically built aircraft carrier. Admiral Ashraf, however, dismissed notions of an arms race, emphasizing Pakistan’s focus on maintaining a balanced and combat-ready navy capable of addressing both traditional and non-traditional maritime threats.

He highlighted Pakistan’s preparedness to counter diverse challenges, leveraging a mix of manned and unmanned assets integrated through network-centric warfare. The inclusion of Hangor-class submarines, equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems, will provide Pakistan with enhanced stealth, firepower, and maneuverability, significantly boosting its operational capabilities.

Beyond the Seas: Exploring New Frontiers

China and Pakistan’s naval cooperation extends beyond hardware. Both nations are exploring advanced domains such as artificial intelligence, robotics, cyber capabilities, and space. Admiral Ashraf’s visit to China in April 2024 underscored this evolving partnership, as he engaged with PLA Navy leaders and attended the launch of Pakistan’s first locally built Hangor-class submarine.

Ashraf praised the PLA Navy’s professionalism and its rise as a leading global naval force. He expressed confidence in the continued expansion of bilateral ties, driven by a shared vision for regional stability and maritime security.

A Strategic Alliance with Global Implications

The unveiling of these advanced submarines marks a new chapter in the China-Pakistan alliance, one that will undoubtedly influence the regional maritime balance. While Pakistan maintains that it is not engaging in an arms race with India, its strategic advancements underscore its commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests.

As the AMAN-25 exercise approaches, the world watches closely. This historic event will not only showcase Pakistan’s naval capabilities but also highlight the enduring partnership with China—a collaboration that continues to defy expectations and set new benchmarks for strategic cooperation.

Website Source: Visit Global Times for more in-depth insights.