Pakistan inducts new Chinese submarine, puts focus on India’s undersea strength and pace
According to Naval News, four submarines are being built in Karachi, while the remaining four are being built by China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co. It was built and launched by Ltd (CSOC).
Air Independent Propulsion System increases underwater durability
The Hangor class is derived from the Chinese Type-039A attack submarine design and is equipped with the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, which significantly increases underwater endurance.
The system allows conventional diesel-electric submarines to remain submerged for extended periods of time without surfacing to run diesel engines for battery charging. Such submarines can stay under water for about two to three weeks. In contrast, non-AIP submarines must surface or snorkel more frequently, increasing vulnerability to detection by aircraft and surface ships.
India’s modernization plans and P-75I delay
Kalvari class submarines are expected to receive nationally developed AIP systems in the coming years. India also plans to commission six Type-214 submarines with AIP capability.
The Indian Navy had previously aimed to field 24 conventional submarines by 2030. However, four Sindhughosh-class submarines (Sindhughosh, Sindhudhvaj, Sindhuvir and Sindhurakshak) were retired.
The Shishumar-class submarines recently underwent mid-life upgrades and are expected to remain in service for another decade, Naval Technology reports.
India’s P-75I program, which aims to purchase six advanced diesel-electric submarines with AIP systems, has been under evaluation for nearly two decades. The project is now expected to move forward, with the government expected to clear Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems by July in a deal worth around $10 billion.
Expansion of Pakistan’s AIP submarine fleet
With the commissioning of PNS Hangor, Pakistan’s number of AIP-equipped submarines increased to four and is expected to reach eleven by 2028 with the commissioning of additional Hangor-class submarines.
According to the Diplomat, Pakistan’s current submarine fleet includes three Agosta-90B submarines, all equipped with AIP systems provided by the Turkish company STM.
Indian Navy submarine strength and composition
In comparison, the Indian Navy operates approximately 18-19 submarines as of May 2026. This includes approximately 16 conventional diesel-electric (SSK) submarines and 2-3 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).
The conventional fleet consists of six Kalvari-class (Scorpene) submarines, while the older Sindhughosh and Shishughosh-class ships continue to form the remaining force, although several Sindhughosh boats have been decommissioned in recent years.
How big is the Chinese Navy’s underwater fleet?
China has the world’s largest and fastest-expanding navy, with a submarine fleet projected to reach 65 units this year and around 80 by 2035, according to estimates of its ongoing naval buildup.
